BJP's Suvendu Adhikari challenges Bengal police over 'Khalistani' allegations
PTC News Desk: The BJP has vehemently denied accusations that its Bengal leader, Suvendu Adhikari, used a "Khalistani" slur against a Sikh IPS officer during a confrontation between BJP workers and police near Sandeshkhali island.
Citing the alleged violation of the Calcutta High Court order permitting Mr. Adhikari to visit Sandeshkhali, the state BJP accused officer Jaspeet Singh of prioritising political agendas over policing duties. Mr. Adhikari further claimed that the ruling Trinamool Congress fabricated the issue to divert attention from the situation in Sandeshkhali.
We, the people of Bengal are equally outraged to see that @WBPolice, which should be acting as custodians of law and order in the state, have reduced themselves to being doormats of the ruling TMC.
Since WB Police is talking about capability, do we need to remind that had the… https://t.co/EbBC5VSmFn pic.twitter.com/1iskZ0QGbr — BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 20, 2024
The confrontation unfolded as Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, headed towards Sandeshkhali, a locale embroiled in controversies surrounding alleged land encroachment and extortion involving local Trinamool leaders. Additionally, the BJP asserted that associates of Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan had reportedly harassed women.
In a statement on X, the Bengal BJP criticised state police officers, accusing them of submitting to the Trinamool's influence.
The BJP further questioned the actions of the officer involved, stating, "Why did he become agitated when it was him who defied the Calcutta High Court's order by obstructing the LoP's movement? What authority did he have to prevent the delegation's progress when the single bench judge had sanctioned the LoP's visit?"
The events in Dhamakhali, en route to Sandeshkhali, unfolded dramatically as the Bengal police barred Mr. Adhikari from proceeding to the island, despite a court order permitting his visit. Eventually, he was allowed entry following the intervention of the Calcutta High Court.
The BJP alleged that the IPS officer acted as an "agent" of the Chief Minister, anticipating that the division bench would overrule the single bench's decision. Moreover, the party accused the officer of intentionally delaying the BJP delegation.
The BJP asserted that the officer's actions amounted to contempt of court, criticizing the West Bengal Police for aligning with Mamata Banerjee's political agenda and bringing religion into the discourse. It refuted claims that any of its leaders used derogatory language and accused the officer of seeking unwarranted attention.
Additionally, the state BJP shared footage of Bengal police detaining Sikh protesters while removing their turbans. The party condemned the police's disrespectful treatment of Sikhs, citing instances where turbans were removed and protesters were dragged on the streets, purportedly in opposition to Mamata Banerjee's administration.
We, the West Bengal Police fraternity, are outraged to share this video, where one of our own officers was called ‘Khalistani’ by the state's Leader of the Opposition. His ‘fault’: he is both a proud Sikh, and a capable police officer who was trying to enforce the law…(1/3) — West Bengal Police (@WBPolice) February 20, 2024
The state BJP's response came following allegations from the Bengal police that Mr. Adhikari used a derogatory term targeting the Sikh officer, sparking outrage within the state's police community. "This remark is not only malicious and racially charged but also aims to incite communal discord. It constitutes a criminal offense. We strongly condemn this unwarranted attack on an individual's religious identity and beliefs, with intentions to instigate violence and undermine the law," the statement read, emphasizing that strict actions will be taken in this regard.
A significant controversy has erupted surrounding a viral video capturing a heated altercation between BJP leaders and the Sikh police officer. In the video, the officer is heard expressing his displeasure, "Just because I wear a turban, you label me as a Khalistani? I will take appropriate action against this. You cannot insult my religion. I have not made any derogatory remarks about your religion." Concurrently, BJP leaders are heard accusing the officer of neglecting his duties and serving as a mere tool of the state government.
Today, the BJP's divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. As per @BJP4India every person wearing a TURBAN is a KHALISTANI.
I VEHEMENTLY CONDEMN this audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of our SIKH BROTHERS & SISTERS, revered for their… pic.twitter.com/toYs8LhiuU — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 20, 2024
Ms. Banerjee posted the video on X, condemning the BJP's divisive tactics as a blatant disregard for constitutional limits. She stated, "According to @BJP4India, anyone wearing a turban is labelled as a Khalistani. I strongly denounce this audacious effort to tarnish the esteemed reputation of our Sikh community, known for their sacrifices and steadfast commitment to our nation."
अपना ‘राजनीतिक बाज़ार’ सजाने के लिए भाजपा द्वारा की गई ‘नफरत की खेती’ का ज़हर समाज में फैल चुका है।
इस ज़हर से अंधे हो चुके लोग न किसान देख रहे हैं, न जवान और न ही खाकी का सम्मान।
देश IPS जसप्रीत सिंह के साथ है। https://t.co/iL6QnQEmin — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 20, 2024
Following this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted the video, condemning the BJP's divisive politics, which he claimed has tainted society with hatred. He remarked, "Those consumed by this hatred fail to recognize the plight of farmers, soldiers, or law enforcement officers."
The intentional character assassination of a Sikh IPS officer S. Jaspreet Singh by the BJP leaders in West Bengal is highly condemnable. Leaders who have such thinking in the country should never forget that Sikhs have made the most sacrifices for the freedom and protection of… pic.twitter.com/MsKr9BLYgu — Harjinder Singh Dhami (@SGPCPresident) February 20, 2024
The video elicited a strong reaction from Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of the prominent Sikh organization, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. In a statement on X, he denounced the deliberate defamation of Sikh IPS officer S. Jaspreet Singh by BJP leaders in West Bengal. He emphasised, "Leaders with such ideologies across the nation must remember that Sikhs have made immense sacrifices for the freedom and security of the country."
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(Inputs from agencies)
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