The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has leveled serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), claiming that a fabricated complaint to Canadian authorities led to the denial of entry for senior party leader Parambans Singh Romana into Canada. The incident occurred on Thursday at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where Romana was stopped upon arrival.
Background of the Incident
Romana, who serves as the party spokesperson and senior vice-president, was scheduled to lead an Akali Dal delegation to Canada. The visit was part of the SAD's outreach program targeting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. However, upon landing in Toronto, immigration officials informed him that he was not permitted to enter the country.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler detailed the party's stance. He stated that a false case had been registered against Romana during the recent municipal elections in Faridkot. Romana had obtained anticipatory bail in that case and had traveled abroad after receiving due permission from the court.
SAD's Accusations Against AAP
Kler alleged that the AAP government became anxious upon learning about the SAD delegation's plans to meet with the NRI community in Canada. He accused the AAP of reneging on all promises made to NRIs and being desperate to sabotage the delegation's efforts. According to Kler, the AAP government presented trumped-up charges to Canadian authorities to prevent Romana's entry.
The SAD spokesperson emphasized that the AAP government had not only insulted the NRI community, who had invited Romana, but also violated the concept of hospitality inherent in Punjabi culture (Punjabiyat). He reiterated that the delegation's purpose was to interact with the community and listen to their grievances.
Kler highlighted the SAD's track record during its previous term in government, including organizing NRI Sammelans and establishing special police stations for NRIs. He contrasted this with the AAP government's perceived inaction on NRI issues.
Furthermore, Kler noted that the recent successful tour of an SAD delegation to Australia and New Zealand had also unsettled the AAP government.
AAP's Response
AAP leaders dismissed the allegations as baseless. Party spokesperson Baltej Pannu stated that the decision to deny entry was a matter of Canadian immigration policy and not influenced by the Punjab government. He questioned whether the Canadian government would heed requests from the AAP.
Earlier, SAD's Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi, a former MLA from Muktsar, had also blamed the AAP government for Romana's denial of entry. However, AAP spokesperson Neel Garg refuted these claims, asserting that the matter falls under the purview of the external affairs ministries of India and Canada, and the Punjab government has no involvement.
The incident has sparked a political controversy, with both parties trading accusations. The SAD has called for an investigation into the matter, while the AAP maintains its innocence.
