In BJP leader Parvesh Verma’s remarks, AAP gets ammo to consolidate Punjabi votes ahead of Delhi polls

The Punjabi community, including Sikhs, comprises 19 per cent of voters in Delhi. “Delhi has a sizeable population of Punjabis. With the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) not contesting the Delhi elections this time, we were looking at Sikh votes. SAD always harps on Sikh voters in Delhi. But Verma has given us a good handle. Now, we will continue riding on it. This can help us consolidate Punjabi voters,” an AAP leader said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. He added that the party line was to attack Verma’s remarks.

“We will not let this issue die. Thousands of vehicles with Punjab registration plates are roaming around here (Delhi). Who are in those vehicles? Preparations for celebrating January 26 (Republic Day) are going on here. What big thing are they going to do here that could put our security system at risk?” Verma had said in Delhi on Tuesday.

Mann and Arora termed Verma’s remarks “divisive, dangerous, and a direct insult to the Punjabi community and their contributions to India’s unity and security.”

“Delhi is the capital of India, and people from every state live here. Vehicles from every state move freely across the country, and there is no restriction on their movement. BJP’s statement questioning the presence of Punjab-registered vehicles in Delhi is not only appalling but also deeply insulting to Punjabis. They are insinuating that Punjabis are a threat to national security simply because of their state of origin. This is unacceptable and an insult to the patriotism of every Punjabi,” Mann said in a post on X on Tuesday.

Mann further questioned the BJP’s priorities, saying, “Home Minister Amit Shah cannot secure the country’s borders nor prevent illegal infiltrations of thousands of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. Yet, he and his party leaders label Punjabis travelling to Delhi as a security threat. This reflects their dangerous mindset and complete disregard for Punjab’s immense contributions to the nation’s security and progress. BJP owes an apology to the Punjabi community for this baseless and shameful allegation.”

Arora also issued a scathing response. “Parvesh Verma’s derogatory statement targeting Punjabis reflects the BJP’s deep-seated bias and ignorance. Questioning the presence of Punjab-registered vehicles in Delhi and linking them to threats on Republic Day is a cheap political stunt. BJP’s Delhi candidate should be ashamed of stooping to such low levels of politics,” he said.

He also reminded the BJP of Punjab’s legacy of sacrifice and patriotism. He added, “It was Punjabis who made over 80 per cent of the sacrifices for India’s freedom. It was Punjabis who stood at the forefront to protect the country, then and now. The Gurus of Punjab gave their lives for the nation’s unity and humanity. Even today, whenever danger looms over India’s borders, it is the Punjabi soldiers who stand tall and defend the country with their lives. For BJP leaders to question the loyalty of Punjabis is an insult to this legacy.”

Arora further criticised the BJP leadership. “Parvesh Verma’s remarks expose BJP’s divisive and hate-filled politics. Instead of focusing on issues affecting the people, they are spreading hatred against a community that has always been the backbone of India. Amit Shah, Narendra Modi, and their entire leadership must take responsibility for this disgraceful statement and issue a public apology to Punjabis,” he said.

The AAP kept up the heat on Wednesday. Kang told the media that such a statement showed the BJP’s “frustration” as it was losing the February 5 Delhi Assembly polls. “It shows how much hatred the BJP has for you. It shows the mentality of the BJP towards Punjabis,” Kang said. He also sought an apology from Verma stating that it was an insult not just to a community but to the entire state.

AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said, “Why should we target anyone? We are comfortable in Delhi. We will win by a huge margin. We are just asking him to apologise as he has insulted a community and a state.”