Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann hit back

The political war between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified amid the upcoming elections in Delhi. A statement by BJP leader Pravesh Verma has created controversy, in which he raised questions about people and vehicles coming to Delhi from Punjab. AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have expressed strong objection to this statement.

Kejriwal’s sharp attack

Arvind Kejriwal termed Parvesh Verma’s statement as an insult to the Punjabi community. He said that the Punjabi community has an important contribution in building and beautifying Delhi.

• Kejriwal’s statement:
  • “Delhi is home to millions of Punjabis, whose families and ancestors have made countless sacrifices for the country. Lakhs of Punjabi refugees who settled in Delhi after partition have endured many atrocities. The statement of the BJP leader is an insult to their martyrdom and sacrifices.”
  • He demanded that “BJP should apologize to Punjabis.”

Bhagwant Mann’s tough stance

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also condemned Pravesh Verma’s statement. He described it as “dangerous and worrying”.

• Mann’s argument:
  • “Pravesh Verma raised questions while marking the vehicles coming from Punjab, as if Punjabis were a threat to the security of the country. This statement is insulting to every Punjabi. BJP should not question the patriotism of Punjabis for its dirty politics.”
  • He described Verma’s statement as insulting to the Punjabi community living in Delhi.

Controversial statement of Pravesh Verma

Pravesh Verma alleged that government employees and vehicles from Punjab were involved in suspicious activities in Delhi.

• He claimed that “CCTV cameras of a Chinese company near India Gate are being installed by government employees from Punjab.”
• Linking it to the country’s security, he said, “This could be a threat to our security.”
• Verma alleged that the Punjab Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs are camping in Delhi and have booked local hotels.

AAP’s counterattack and Verma’s clarification

AAP leaders launched a sharp counterattack on Pravesh Verma.

• Bhagwant Mann described Verma’s statement as “an insult to the pride of Punjabis”.
• Verma replied, “Don’t try to connect your goons and MLAs with the Punjabi society. The people of Delhi will not fall prey to your words.”
• Taking aim at Kejriwal, Verma said he was “preparing to become the Chief Minister of Punjab.”

Contribution of Punjabi community

Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann in their statement underlined the historical contribution of the Punjabi community.

• At the time of partition, Punjabi refugees settled in Delhi and developed the city.
• Recalling the country’s freedom struggle and the martyrdom of the Punjabi community in the army, he termed the BJP leader’s statement as condemnable.

political analysis

The aspect of politics and election strategy of both the parties is also visible behind this dispute.

• The Aam Aadmi Party, which depends on Punjabi and Purvanchali voters in Delhi, is trying to capitalize on the issue.
• BJP is trying to show this controversy by linking it to security and administrative issues.