Chandigarh: Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Friday condemned what he described as the abusive and insulting remarks made by Chandigarh BJP chief Jatinder Pal Malhotra against Punjabis during a public meeting. Warring, speaking at an event in Chandigarh, stated that Malhotra referred to Punjabis as emotional fools.
Warring Questions BJP Leaders' Silence
Warring questioned the silence of BJP leaders from Punjab, asking how they could tolerate such abuse and insult directed at the Punjabi community. In a written statement, he remarked that Malhotra had revealed the real mindset of the BJP, which he characterized as hostile and hateful towards Punjab and its people. Warring suggested that Malhotra may have unknowingly exposed the BJP's true thinking about Punjabis.
He further asked whether Punjab BJP leaders, particularly state president Kewal Singh Dhillon, agreed with Malhotra's comments. The Ludhiana MP expressed surprise over the silence of the Punjab BJP leadership, even after several days had passed since Malhotra made the remarks.
Protests Across Punjab
Congress workers staged protests across Punjab, demanding action against Malhotra and an unconditional apology. Party workers held protest marches in various district headquarters, raising slogans against the BJP and Malhotra.
Malhotra's Response
In response, Malhotra said that if any of his remarks hurt anyone or offended sentiments, he sincerely apologized. He accused the Congress of distorting facts for political gain, claiming that the party selectively clipped a small portion of the video and presented it out of context in an attempt to incite regional and religious sentiments.
Malhotra emphasized that he himself is a Punjabi, raised in Amritsar and now living in Chandigarh, and that he is proud to be a Punjabi. He hit back at Warring, stating that the sentiments of Punjabis were truly hurt when the Congress divided Punjab, when an attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib took place during Congress rule, and when efforts were made to shield those responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He accused Warring of remaining silent on these serious issues.
