Chandigarh, October 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Sunday condemned the Delhi Police action against protesters in the national capital, alleging that police personnel entering Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib with their shoes on and heads uncovered had violated the sanctity of the Sikh shrine and hurt religious sentiments.
AAP MLAs Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Prof. Baljinder Kaur and Manvinder Singh Giaspura demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the immediate release of all protesters detained during Saturday’s demonstration and strict action against police personnel allegedly responsible for violating Gurdwara maryada.
The AAP leaders accused the BJP-led Central government of using force against protesters, disrupting public transport and allowing police personnel to enter the Gurdwara premises in a manner they described as disrespectful to Sikh religious traditions. They said the alleged detention and harassment of people inside the shrine had raised serious questions about the government’s approach towards religious institutions.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab chief spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the incident had revived painful memories of Operation Bluestar and the events of 1984, which continue to affect the Sikh community.
“The actions of the Delhi Police have brought back painful memories of Operation Bluestar and the events of 1984, which the Sikh community has never forgotten. The BJP has repeatedly criticised the Congress over 1984, but the incident at Bangla Sahib has exposed the hypocrisy of its own politics. The BJP and the Congress may be political rivals, but their approach towards suppressing Sikhs and their voices appears no different. Union Home Minister Amit Shah must resign and accept responsibility for the police action,” Dhaliwal said.
He also appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take serious note of the incident and call upon Sikh organisations to raise their voices against the alleged violation of Gurdwara maryada.
Baljinder Kaur Calls October 10 a Black Day
AAP MLA Prof. Baljinder Kaur described October 10 as a “black day”, alleging that the Delhi Police detained people indiscriminately and that Metro services, buses and traffic were disrupted to prevent protesters from reaching their destination.
She said videos purportedly showing uniformed police personnel entering Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib with shoes on and their heads uncovered, and forcibly removing people from the Gurdwara’s sarai, were deeply disturbing.
“The sarai provides shelter to people arriving from across the world, and such treatment inside a sacred place is unacceptable,” she said.
Drawing a comparison with the events of 1984, Baljinder Kaur questioned the BJP’s criticism of the Congress over the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib while, she alleged, failing to address the conduct of police personnel under its own government.
She also questioned the silence of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami.
“When such a serious incident has taken place, why are Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami silent? Are political understandings with the BJP more important to them than Sikh sentiments? I urge the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take a firm stand and demand accountability,” she said.
Manvinder Singh Giaspura Seeks Accountability
AAP MLA Manvinder Singh Giaspura said the alleged entry of police personnel into Gurdwara premises with their shoes on and heads uncovered was an act that could neither be forgotten nor forgiven.
He highlighted the religious and historical significance of Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib, which is associated with the selfless service rendered by Guru Harkrishan Sahib to the poor and needy during the epidemic of 1664.
“A place associated with compassion, humanity and service deserves the highest respect,” Giaspura said.
He also referred to former BJP leader L.K. Advani’s book My Country, My Life while challenging what he described as the BJP’s political narrative surrounding the attack on Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Giaspura accused the BJP of invoking religious sentiments for political gain while, in his view, failing to uphold the sanctity of Sikh institutions.
“The BJP’s politics is driven by the pursuit of power and the suppression of dissent. Punjabis will not accept attempts to undermine their religious institutions or democratic rights,” he said.
Giaspura also questioned Sukhbir Singh Badal’s silence over the incident, alleging that political ambitions and a possible electoral understanding with the BJP could be influencing his position. He called on the SGPC leadership to respond to questions about the prolonged absence of elections to the body and concerns over the political influence of the Badal family.
Appealing to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giaspura urged the Sikh religious leadership to summon those responsible and take a firm stand in defence of the Sikh Panth’s honour.
“The Sikh community expects its religious leadership to speak clearly whenever the sanctity of its institutions is challenged,” he said.
AAP Reiterates Demands Against Delhi Police Action
The AAP MLAs reiterated their demand that Union Home Minister Amit Shah accept responsibility for the Delhi Police action. They sought the immediate release of all detained protesters, strict action against personnel allegedly involved in the violation of Gurdwara maryada and a clear response from the BJP-led Central government.
They also criticised the silence of leaders who claim to represent the Sikh Panth and called upon Sikh institutions and organisations to defend the community’s religious traditions, dignity and democratic rights.
The allegations and demands were made by AAP leaders at the press conference.
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