The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh has demanded the immediate removal of BJP State President Jitendra Pal Malhotra, accusing him of insulting Punjabis. The party has warned that if the BJP leadership fails to take action within 24 hours, they will besiege the BJP office and launch a massive public agitation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, AAP leaders remarked that the BJP and its leaders have frequently made derogatory comments against Punjabis. The party alleges that attempts are made to malign Punjabis by labeling them “Khalistanis” or by using offensive language, reflecting the BJP’s mindset regarding Punjab and *Punjabiyat* (the spirit of Punjab). AAP also cited the recent use of the term “Khalistani” by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari against a senior Punjabi IPS officer, noting that such incidents are becoming a worrying trend. The party stated that the alleged remarks by the Chandigarh BJP President have further hurt the sentiments of the Punjabi community.
What did the party leaders say?
Party leaders stated that Punjab has gifted the nation many brave sons—including Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Shaheed Udham Singh—and that the contribution of Punjabis to national security, agriculture, industry, and nation-building is unparalleled. Insulting such a community cannot be tolerated at any cost.
The Aam Aadmi Party has demanded that the BJP’s national leadership remove Jitendra Pal Malhotra from his post and issue an unconditional public apology to the entire Punjabi community. The party warned that if action is not taken within the stipulated timeframe, they would stage a protest by besieging the BJP office.
AAP leaders asserted that any attempt to compromise the dignity of Punjabis would not be tolerated and that the BJP must clarify its stance regarding Punjab and *Punjabiyat*.
