The Punjab’s AAP government has rejected Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta’s claim regarding the genuineness of Atishi’s controversial video even as the state Opposition sought action against the Jalandhar police and an apology from the party for registering a “false” FIR.
The controversy intensified after Gupta addressed the media in the national capital, saying the video and audio of former Delhi CM Atishi, in which she allegedly made objectionable remarks about Sikh Gurus, was genuine. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar also claimed that the Delhi Assembly inquiry proved that the Atishi video was not doctored and Punjab’s report was false.
In a social media message, he wrote, “After the forensic examination of the video of AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi ji … the Speaker…clearly stated that the video had not been tampered with…The role played by the Punjab Government… is extremely condemnable.”
Jakhar accused the Punjab Government of “misusing” the police to protect leaders, hurting Sikh sentiments and playing a dangerous politics on a sensitive issue.
The Punjab AAP dismissed the charges, accusing the BJP and Congress of trying to mislead people by doubting the forensic conclusion recorded by a Jalandhar court in the case registered over the alleged tampering of the video. Punjab AAP president and minister Aman Arora said a Jalandhar court, after examining the State Forensic Science Laboratory’s reports, had already recorded the viral video as “doctored”. He said the court ordered that the video be taken off social media.
“Questioning the forensic findings placed before a court is not questioning a political party or a government. It is questioning the conclusion recorded by a court of law,” Arora said. “Once a court has spoken, denying its findings is not politics, it is contempt for the rule of law,” he added.
‘Attempt to insult Gurus’
Meanwhile, Congress leader and Jalandhar Cantonment legislator Pargat Singh accused the BJP and AAP of playing politics over the issue. “Both are playing bad politics and have attempted to insult the Gurus. They (police) are all acting as per directions of their political bosses.”
Citing Delhi reports, Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira demanded a criminal case, apology and Atishi’s removal as the Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition. “Delhi ex-CM Atishi has chosen to go underground. Her silence only strengthens the conclusion that she is guilty.”
Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma attacked AAP and CM Bhagwant Mann, saying Delhi reports confirmed the video’s genuineness. “When the Punjab Government does not even possess the original video, it has no moral or factual basis,” he said seeking apology from Atishi. AAP Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said “no political interpretation or selective reference can override a forensic determination accepted by a court.”
Reacting to Congress leader Pargat Singh’s allegations, Bhullar said, “Dragging religious sentiments into a controversy built on manipulated content is deeply irresponsible.”
“The Sikh community deserves truth and integrity, not the circulation of doctored clips for political gain. Using the Gurus’ revered name to defend falsified content is what truly hurts Sikh sentiments,” he added.
Disqualify her as MLA: SAD
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal urged Gupta to disqualify Atishi from the Delhi Assembly. In a letter to the Speaker, Sukhbir Badal said he was anguished at Atishi’s conduct both in his capacity as the president of the SAD as well as a
devout Sikh. He said from a legislative view point, the conduct of Atishi constituted a grave breach of privilege and contempt of the House, amounting to conduct unbecoming of a legislator.
“A Member who publicly insults the faith, Guru Sahiban and religious sentiments of the minority Sikh community forfeits not only moral legitimacy but also constitutional right to remain a lawmaker,” he asserted
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