AAP's Drum-Beating Protest Rocks Ludhiana in Political Showdown With Congress
Political tensions in Punjab reached a fever pitch on Thursday as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party orchestrated a dramatic, noise-filled demonstration against the opposition Congress party in Ludhiana. In an unprecedented display of political theater, AAP loyalists descended upon the city's mini-secretariat with drums and brass bands, creating a cacophony specifically designed to drown out what they termed "personal rhetoric" from their political rivals.
The Spark: Allegedly Derogatory Comments Against Minister
The high-decibel protest was directly triggered by comments made by senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in Punjab. AAP leaders allege that Bajwa used "derogatory and inappropriate" language targeting Punjab minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, whose father was a professional band leader. This personal reference became the flashpoint for the ruling party's outrage.
"We will continue to protest until the Congress leader offers a formal apology," declared MLA Kulwant Singh Sidhu, who was photographed beating a drum alongside minister Hardeep Singh Mundian to visually and audibly emphasize the party's grievance. The protest eventually moved to the doorstep of Ludhiana Congress MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring's office, amplifying the confrontation.
Allegations of 'Vulgar Politics' and Diversion Tactics
Massive Turnout of AAP LeadershipThe demonstration saw a substantial gathering of AAP's political machinery, including five MLAs and the city's top municipal officials. Addressing the assembled crowd, speakers launched scathing accusations against the Congress party, claiming it had abandoned civil discourse to compensate for what they described as a "declining political base."
AAP representatives characterized Bajwa's comments as "vulgar" and "personal" rather than policy-based, alleging this was a deliberate diversion tactic to distract public attention from their own "transparent governance" initiatives. The protest served as a significant show of force for the ruling party, successfully bringing together various district wings in a unified display.
Notable Political Figures in Attendance- Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian
- MLA Kulwant Singh Sidhu
- MLA Madan Lal Bagga
- MLA Daljit Singh Bhola
- MLA Sarbjit Kaur Manuke
- Mayor Inderjit Kaur
- Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar
Warning of Escalation and Focus on Governance
Protest organizers issued a stern warning about potential "intensified agitation" across Punjab if their demand for a formal apology remains unmet. The leaders concluded the demonstration with a clear message: they would counter what they called "negative and personal politics" with an unwavering focus on pro-people governance.
As of Thursday evening, the Congress leadership had not issued any formal response to the demands for an apology, leaving the political standoff unresolved. The drum protest in Ludhiana represents a new chapter in Punjab's political confrontations, where traditional rallies have been replaced with more theatrical, attention-grabbing demonstrations designed to dominate both physical and media spaces.
