Political Slugfest Erupts in Punjab Over Congress Leader's 'Band' Remark Against AAP Minister
A major political confrontation has broken out between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Congress in Punjab, centered around controversial remarks made by Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa about PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. The dispute has escalated rapidly, with AAP issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for an apology and announcing protest plans.
AAP Demands Immediate Apology, Threatens Action
AAP leader and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly condemned Bajwa's comments, terming them an insult to the Dalit community. Cheema has demanded an unconditional apology from the Congress leader within 24 hours, warning of "strict action" if the deadline is not met. The party has announced that Punjab ministers, MLAs, party leaders, and volunteers will stage a protest outside Bajwa's residence in Chandigarh.
The protest march is scheduled to begin at 12 PM from the Punjab MLA Hostel in Sector 4 and proceed to Bajwa's residence in Sector 8. This organized demonstration represents a significant escalation in the political tension between the two parties.
Congress Counters: Accuses AAP of Political Manipulation
The Punjab Congress has hit back forcefully against AAP's allegations, accusing the ruling party of "attempting to twist facts and misuse the sensitive issue of Dalits for political mileage." Senior Congress leaders have dismissed AAP's claims as false allegations designed to create controversy where none exists.
Congress Deputy Leader Aruna Chaudhry stated that "the people of Punjab, including the Dalit community, are politically aware and capable of recognizing genuine casteist remarks without needing AAP to act as self-appointed defenders." She suggested that AAP is "rattled" because Bajwa has been effectively exposing their failures and corruption both inside the legislative assembly and among the general public.
The Controversial Remarks and Their Context
The controversy stems from remarks made by Partap Singh Bajwa during a Congress rally in Jandiala on Friday. Referring to PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, Bajwa stated in Punjabi: "We will bring this person to task who used to be a band player. We have every detail of the big loot being carried out by Harbhajan Singh. He is no longer a band player. He has now started to hit Punjab's interests."
Cheema responded by highlighting Harbhajan Singh's background: "ETO rose out of poverty, cleared the civil services examination through hard work, became an ETO in the Punjab allied services and, with a spirit of social service, resigned from his job to join the Aam Aadmi Party. The Aam Aadmi Party gave him respect and made him a minister."
Congress Leaders Defend Bajwa's Comments
Several Congress leaders have come forward to defend Bajwa's remarks and criticize AAP's response. Kuldeep Vaid, Chairman of the Punjab Congress SC Cell and former MLA, stated that "AAP crossed all limits of political decency by falsely accusing Bajwa of making a casteist slur against a cabinet minister." He added that AAP leaders appear incapable of distinguishing between a political pun and a genuine casteist slur.
All India Congress Committee secretary Sukhwinder Singh Danny Bandala went further, claiming that "AAP lost its mind by indulging in such desperate tactics." These statements reflect the Congress party's unified position that AAP is manufacturing controversy for political advantage.
Minister Harbhajan Singh's Personal Response
In a television interview, Harbhajan Singh ETO directly addressed the controversy surrounding his family background. He stated: "My father used to play band. Even today, I am proud of being son of a band player. My father never did any smuggling nor cheated anyone." This personal response adds another dimension to the ongoing political dispute, highlighting the minister's pride in his family heritage despite the political controversy.
The escalating conflict between AAP and Congress in Punjab represents a significant development in the state's political landscape, with both parties digging in their heels over what has become a major controversy involving community sensitivities, political rhetoric, and personal backgrounds.
