AAP Slams BJP Leader Parvesh Verma’s Anti-Punjab Remarks; Demand Apology

New Delhi/Chandigarh, January 21, 2025:  The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly condemned the inflammatory and anti-Punjab statements made by BJP leader Parvesh Verma. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP Punjab President Aman Arora have termed Verma's remarks as divisive, dangerous, and a direct insult to the Punjabi community and their contributions to India’s unity and security.

CM Bhagwant Mann on his X account said, "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."

CM 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 traveling 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."

Highlighting Punjab’s unparalleled role in the nation’s history, AAP Punjab President Aman Arora issued a scathing response and said, "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."

Aman Arora reminded the BJP of Punjab’s legacy of sacrifice and patriotism. He added, "It was Punjabis who made over 80% 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 criticized BJP’s 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."