New Delhi: AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday condemned a statement made by BJP leader Parvesh Verma, accusing him and his party of insulting Punjabis in Delhi.
Kejriwal stated that BJP’s remarks are an affront to the sacrifices and struggles of millions of Punjabi families. The faceoff comes after BJP leaders targeted vehicles with Punjab number plates in Delhi.
दिल्ली में लाखों पंजाबी रहते हैं जिनके परिवारों ने और उनके पूर्वजों ने देश के लिए न जाने कितनी क़ुर्बानियाँ दी हैं।
दिल्ली में लाखों पंजाबी रेफ़्यूजी भी रहते हैं जो बँटवारे के मुश्किल दौर में सब कुछ छोड़कर दिल्ली आ कर बसे थे। इनके परिवार ने भी अनगिनत यातनाएँ सही हैं।
भाजपा के… https://t.co/87IXSekhDs— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 22, 2025
What Arvind Kejriwal said
Kejriwal said, “Delhi is home to millions of Punjabis whose families and ancestors made countless sacrifices for the nation. Many Punjabis who are refugees in Delhi settled here after the difficult times of partition. Their families endured unimaginable suffering. The remarks being made by BJP leaders today are insulting their martyrdom and sacrifice.”
He further expressed his distress at the comments made by BJP leaders, particularly focusing on their targeting of Punjabis. “Delhi has been built by Punjabis, and BJP’s statement calling Punjabis a threat to the country is an insult to the millions of Punjabis living here. They should apologize to all Punjabis in the city,” Kejriwal added.
“It is not right to question the patriotism of Punjabis in this way for your dirty politics. Today, every Punjabi is feeling extremely pained and insulted,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal further added that BJP has failed to protect the borders and security of the country. He pointed out the presence of thousands of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas entering the country, questioning why the BJP is not concerned about them but instead targeting innocent Punjabis.
“Amit Shah ji, you are neither able to keep the country’s border safe nor Delhi. So many thousands of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are coming to the country, don’t you have a problem with them? But you are calling the Punjabis coming from Punjab to Delhi a threat to the country. You should apologize to the Punjabis,” Kejriwal said.
Parvesh Verma’s allegations
In a press conference on Tuesday, Verma claimed that Arvind Kejriwal is misusing the Punjab government’s resources ahead of Delhi elections. He specifically accused Punjab government of installing Chinese CCTV cameras in the slums of New Delhi as a publicity stunt, calling them a security threat. Verma alleged that the cameras were being hurriedly installed for show with the help of Punjab’s ruling AAP government, fearing an imminent loss in the upcoming elections.
Verma also criticized Punjab government for allegedly bringing teachers and employees from Punjab to Delhi for campaigning. He said these people were disguising themselves as AAP workers to influence voters. Additionally, Verma raised concerns about the large number of vehicles with Punjab number plates seen in Delhi, questioning their presence in the capital. He claimed that trucks with Punjab government materials like chairs, water dispensers, and other items were being brought to Delhi.
Bhagwant Mann slams Parvesh Verma
In response to the accusations, Bhagwant Mann condemned Verma’s remarks, saying they were an insult to Punjabis and their contributions to the country. He particularly took issue with Verma’s focus on vehicles with Punjab registration plates, describing it as a “dangerous” and “insulting” statement. Mann said that vehicles from all states are allowed to ply in Delhi and that Verma’s remarks suggested that Punjabis were being unfairly portrayed as a security threat.
Mann responded to Verma’s comments with a post on X, stating, “Delhi is the country’s capital, and vehicles from every state can ply here. There is no restriction on them. But by questioning why vehicles from Punjab are in Delhi, Verma is implying that Punjabis pose a security risk. This is extremely insulting.”
“Amit Shahji, you are neither able to keep the country’s border safe nor Delhi. Thousands of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are entering the country, but you’re targeting Punjabis coming from Punjab to Delhi. You should apologize to the Punjabis,” Mann said.
