New Delhi, Jan 22 (UNI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday strongly criticized the BJP's claim that people driving Punjab-registered vehicles in Delhi pose a threat on Republic Day, terming it an insult to all Punjabis.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “BJP leader Parvesh Verma alleged that Punjabis pose a threat to the country's security on Republic Day.”
“Are all Punjabis terrorists and traitors? Families and ancestors of millions of Punjabis living in Delhi have made countless sacrifices for the nation and endured immense suffering. The statements made by BJP leaders today insult the martyrdom and sacrifices of Punjabis. Amit Shah and the BJP should apologize to all Punjabis for this,” he added.
Taking to X, Kejriwal said, “Millions of Punjabis live in Delhi, whose families and ancestors have made countless sacrifices for the country. Many Punjabi refugees also live in Delhi, who left everything behind and settled here during the painful Partition. Their families endured untold suffering. What BJP leaders are saying today insults their martyrdom and sacrifices. This statement deeply pains me.
Punjabis have helped shape Delhi. By calling Punjabis a threat to the nation, the BJP has insulted millions of Punjabis living in Delhi. The BJP should apologize to Punjabis.”
Meanwhile, Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said, “On Tuesday, BJP leader Parvesh Verma claimed that vehicles with Punjab number plates roaming in Delhi pose a threat to the Republic Day celebrations. This is a very serious matter. BJP leaders are calling members of the Sikh community terrorists.
They are labeling the descendants of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh as terrorists, who sacrificed their lives to liberate this country.”
“Across the country, BJP has settled Bangladeshi infiltrators, and they do not see them as a threat. But if vehicles from Punjab enter Delhi, they consider it a threat to the nation. This is a shameful statement. It insults the patriotism and sacrifices of Punjabis and Sikhs. During Partition, millions of Sikhs and Punjabis came to Delhi,” he added.
This controversy has intensified the political clash between the BJP and AAP.
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