Chandigarh Police Deploy Water Cannon on AAP Protesters in Political Confrontation
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, Chandigarh police on Monday used a water cannon to disperse Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers who were attempting to breach barricades. The protesters were marching towards the residence of senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa to demonstrate against his alleged objectionable comments targeting Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh.
Detentions and Heavy Police Deployment Mark Protest
Following the initial confrontation, police detained several prominent AAP leaders, including Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Ministers Mohinder Bhagat and Ravjot Singh, along with MLA Amansher Singh and numerous party workers. A substantial police force had been strategically positioned outside the Punjab MLA hostel in Sector-4 to block the protesters' advance towards Bajwa's Sector-8 residence, where the AAP had organized the demonstration.
The protest took a unique turn as AAP arranged a traditional wedding band that performed musical instruments during the rally. This symbolic act directly referenced Bajwa's controversial remarks, in which he reportedly said, "Jehra pehle band vajaanda reha, ehda band asin vajaavange" (We will take him to task who used to be a band player), alluding to Harbhajan Singh's background.
Political Accusations and Counter-Allegations Intensify
Public Works Department Minister Harbhajan Singh responded to the controversy by expressing disappointment that a senior Congress leader would make such a statement. He proudly affirmed his identity as a "son of the bandwale" and highlighted his journey from poverty to becoming an excise and taxation officer through hard work and clearing the civil services examination.
The AAP has accused the Congress of harboring an anti-Dalit mindset and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Bajwa to apologize, threatening strict legal action otherwise. Finance Minister Cheema emphasized Singh's inspirational rise from humble beginnings as a testament to his character and achievements.
However, Congress leaders have firmly rejected these allegations. On Sunday, they accused the AAP of distorting facts and exploiting sensitive Dalit issues for political gain through false accusations against Bajwa. Congress leader Aruna Chaudhry contended that the AAP was manufacturing controversy from a non-issue, attempting to twist the narrative for electoral mileage.
This incident underscores the deepening political rift in Punjab, with both parties leveraging identity and social issues in a charged atmosphere ahead of potential electoral battles. The use of force by police and the subsequent detentions have further inflamed tensions, drawing attention to the broader implications for Dalit representation and political discourse in the region.
