With sticks, AAP workers to guard Ambedkar statues on April 14

Addressing a press conference at the AAP office in Chandigarh, along with AAP leaders Neel Garg and Dr Sunny Ahluwalia, Arora lashed out at Pannun, calling him “a traitor” and “a fugitive”, who is “attempting to incite hatred and division among Indians from a foreign land”.

Taking strong exception to Pannu’s call to desecrate Ambedkar’s statues on April 14, Arora issued “an open challenge” to him. “You called for the destruction of Ambedkar’s statues on April 14. I challenge you, if you have the courage, come here. On that day, thousands of AAP workers will stand guard at every Ambedkar statue across Punjab with flags and sticks to protect and pay tribute to Baba Saheb Ambedkar,” Arora said.

Aman said, “Dr Ambedkar is not just the pride of the Dalit community but the pride of the entire nation. He is an icon of all religions and communities, and it is because of his vision that India is recognised as the world’s largest democracy today. His contributions have empowered the common citizens to rise to prominent positions and serve the nation.”

Slamming Pannun’s divisive agenda, Arora said those sitting far away did not have the right to spread hatred among people. He criticised Pannun’s hypocrisy, stating, “Pannun talks about justice for Sikhs, but he does not respect Sikhism.”

Arora highlighted the universal values of Sikhism, saying, “Sikhism is a great religion that upholds equality and preaches the welfare of all communities, irrespective of caste and creed. However, Pannun is using the name of Sikhism to create divisions in society.”

Arora announced that AAP’s SC Wing volunteers and party workers would give a befitting reply to such hateful elements. “Pannun is trying to sow hatred. But, in Punjab, only unity and progress will grow,” he added.