Political Controversy Erupts in Delhi and Punjab Over Atishi’s Alleged Remarks About Guru Tegh Bahadur
A political storm has erupted in Delhi and Punjab as the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) leader, Atishi, faces accusations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). They allege that she made derogatory comments regarding the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, during a prior Assembly session. This has resulted in escalating tensions and protests across both regions, revealing deeper political undercurrents as parties gear up for future elections.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began on January 7 when Kapil Mishra, a Delhi BJP minister, disseminated a video clip purportedly showing Atishi insulting Guru Tegh Bahadur during an Assembly debate last November. Following this, BJP MLAs organized protests demanding her dismissal from the Assembly, arguing that her comments were blasphemous and warranted serious repercussions. In response, Atishi and her party have vehemently refuted the allegations, claiming that the video was manipulated to disseminate falsehoods and incite communal discord.
Timeline of Events
The political clash quickly escalated, with both the AAP and BJP launching protests against each other. The Punjab police acted swiftly, filing an FIR concerning the doctored video. A forensic report indicated that Atishi did not mention the word "Guru", suggesting that the video had indeed been altered to misrepresent her statements.
The FIR was prompted by a complaint from Iqbal Singh, who accused several leaders, including Kapil Mishra and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, of using the doctored clip to incite religious sentiments and hostility.
Delhi Assembly’s Intervention
In a remarkable response, the Delhi Assembly intervened by issuing "breach of privilege" notices to key Punjab police officials due to what it termed "unwarranted interference" in its affairs. Speaker Vijender Gupta criticized the Punjab police for their actions, suggesting they violated the Assembly’s rights by examining a video recorded inside the House without permission.
The FIR and Its Implications
The FIR registered by Jalandhar police on January 7 has far-reaching implications. As the police collected evidence, it became clear that they did not explicitly name any individuals in the case. However, the political ramifications were significant, with claims of sacrilege and blasphemy dominating the discourse.
The forensic findings indicated that Atishi had not uttered derogatory remarks against the Sikh gurus, leading to questions about the intentions behind the BJP’s dissemination of the doctored video.
Reactions from Political Leaders
Both parties have engaged in a heated war of words. Kapil Mishra took to media platforms, asserting the authenticity of the circulated video and asserting that Atishi had effectively absconded her responsibilities. Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Mann of AAP accused the BJP of "cheap and hate-driven politics", claiming that they sought to incite communal tensions within Punjab, particularly against a backdrop of statewide sensitivities surrounding religious matters.
Atishi herself referred to the allegations as lies, stating that the BJP had manipulated her original statements. She expressed indignation over what she considers an egregious misuse of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s name for political gain.
Widespread Protests Across Punjab
The controversy led to protests across Punjab, a state with a significant Sikh population, showcasing the dangerous intersection between politics and religion. Leading figures from various parties—including the BJP, Congress, and SAD—mobilized their supporters to demand accountability and address the alleged insults to religious sentiments. AAP activists also took action, staging protests at homes of key BJP officials.
This environment of unrest underscores that, in Punjab, even minor political incidents can escalate into major societal conflicts, particularly when issues of faith and conduct arise.
Current State of Affairs
As tensions mount, all parties remain vigilant, with the AAP government striving to maintain communal harmony while countering the BJP’s narratives. The upcoming Assembly elections, slated for early 2027, loom large over the ongoing conflict, as every party aims to consolidate its support within the Sikh community.
The dynamics of the situation continue to evolve, and with protests and political maneuvering intensifying, what began as a rumor could very well redefine allegiances and influences in the region.