The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) staged a significant demonstration in Mohali on Saturday, January 10, 2026, directly targeting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi and the party's top leadership. The protest, part of a statewide campaign ordered by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, saw party workers gather outside the District Administrative Complex to voice strong opposition.
Leaders Allege AAP's Role in Sacrilege Incidents
The dharna was spearheaded by SAD treasurer and former Derabassi MLA N K Sharma and district president Parvinder Singh Sohana. In a fiery address, Sharma launched a severe accusation against the ruling party. He claimed that incidents of religious sacrilege began to surface in Punjab only after the AAP's arrival in the state.
Sharma alleged the AAP was "directly involved" in such acts, specifically pointing to the Malerkotla case. He stated that a Delhi-based AAP MLA, Naresh Yadav, was found guilty in that instance. "It is ironic that the party which tried to malign Shiromani Akali Dal over sacrilege issues is now defending the accused in courts," Sharma said, accusing AAP of employing double standards.
Accusations of Conspiracy and Demands for Apology
Parvinder Singh Sohana escalated the rhetoric by accusing AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal of acting under a "conspiracy." He further alleged that Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition Atishi Marlena deliberately targeted the Sikh community by using objectionable language concerning the Gurus.
Sohana warned that Sikhs in Punjab and across the globe have taken serious note of these remarks and are demanding an apology. He framed the protest as a preliminary step, stating, "Today's dharna is a signal of a bigger struggle. If accountability is not fixed, a large-scale agitation will be launched."
Protest Actions and Official Memorandum
The demonstration featured several senior SAD leaders, SGPC members, and youth leaders who addressed the gathered crowd. Protesters raised slogans against Atishi, Kejriwal, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In a symbolic act of defiance, they also burnt an effigy of Atishi.
The protest culminated with the submission of a memorandum addressed to the Punjab Governor and the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. As the Deputy Commissioner's office was closed for a holiday, the document was received by SP Ramandeep Singh. A large contingent of SAD workers and leaders ensured a strong show of strength during the event, setting the stage for potential future confrontations between the two political parties.
