‘Insult to Punjabis’: AAP slams BJP’s Verma, demands apology
New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly condemned BJP leader Parvesh Verma for his controversial remarks, labeling vehicles from Punjab as a “threat to national security” ahead of Republic Day. AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal termed the statement an insult to Punjabis and demanded an immediate apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Parvesh Verma’s remarks questioning the contribution of Punjabis have deeply hurt me,” said Kejriwal. “Are all Punjabis terrorists? Are all Punjabis anti-national? Are all Punjabis a threat to the country? This is deeply troubling and offensive.”
Highlighting the contributions of Punjabis to the nation, Kejriwal said, “Punjabis have significantly contributed to the development of Delhi. The Delhi we see today owes a lot to the efforts of Punjabis. Their ancestors made immense sacrifices for the country. During Partition, millions of Punjabis endured untold suffering, rebuilt their lives in Delhi, and contributed immensely to the city’s growth.”
The AAP leader called Parvesh Verma’s remarks divisive, stating, “We strongly oppose such statements. Amit Shah must apologise for these comments to the entire nation, and specifically to the Punjabi community.” He added, “By calling Punjabis a threat to the country, BJP has insulted lakhs of Punjabis living in Delhi.”
On his social media handle, Kejriwal reiterated, “There are lakhs of Punjabis living in Delhi whose families and ancestors have made countless sacrifices for the country. Their families have endured numerous hardships. The BJP must apologise to Punjabis for this disrespect.”
AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also criticized Parvesh Verma’s remarks, calling them “highly offensive” and an insult to the Punjabi and Sikh communities. Singh said, “You are calling members of the Sikh community terrorists. You are labeling the descendants of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh as a threat to Republic Day.”
Sanjay Singh reminded the BJP of the sacrifices made by Punjabis, stating, “These are the same people who gave their lives during wars with Pakistan to protect this country.” He added, “Across the country, the BJP has settled Bangladeshi infiltrators, yet they declare Punjabis as threats. This is shameful.”
Singh accused the BJP of hypocrisy, claiming, “The Bangladeshi infiltrators are not considered threats because your friends, like Adani, are running businesses and supplying electricity worth thousands of crores to Bangladesh.”
