AAP Protests in Chandigarh Over Alleged Anti-Dalit Statements by Congress Leaders Raja Warring, Pratap Bajwa

The statements made by senior Punjab Congress leaders Raja Warring and Pratap Singh Bajwa have triggered strong anger among the Dalit community, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the Congress of repeatedly displaying an anti-Dalit mindset. The controversy has now spilled onto the streets, with AAP staging a major protest in Chandigarh on Monday.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly condemned the remarks, saying that insulting Dalits has become a pattern for the Congress leadership. He said the party had given Congress 24 hours to apologise for the comments made against Dalit leaders, but no apology was issued within the deadline. Following this, AAP intensified its protest against what it termed Congress's "deep-rooted discriminatory thinking."

AAP leaders and workers held a loud demonstration in Chandigarh, marching with bands and banners to underline their message that disrespect towards the Dalit community would not be tolerated. During the protest, police used water cannons to disperse the crowd, but demonstrators continued their agitation.

Cheema said the controversial remarks were not just personal attacks on Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, but an insult to his work, his community and the entire Dalit fraternity. He added that Congress's silence after repeated demands for an apology had exposed its intentions.

AAP leaders also pointed to Raja Warring's alleged threat against a Dalit minister and Pratap Singh Bajwa's remarks mocking Harbhajan Singh's past profession, calling them clear examples of Congress's inability to accept Dalit leadership. They further cited earlier statements by former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who had publicly acknowledged the lack of Dalit representation in senior Congress leadership despite the community's significant population in the state.

AAP contrasted this with its own record, noting that six ministers in the Punjab Cabinet belong to the Dalit community. Party leaders said this reflects AAP's commitment to dignity, representation and participation in governance.

AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda also attacked the Congress on social media, demanding public apologies from Raja Warring and Rahul Gandhi. Political observers believe the growing discontent among Dalits could significantly impact Punjab's political landscape ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with AAP emerging as the preferred choice for the community.