BJP Accuses AAP Leader Rituraj Jha of Insulting Sikh Community with Remarks Against Hardeep Puri

The BJP has accused AAP leader Rituraj Jha of making a derogatory remark against Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, which they claim insults the Sikh community. The party has demanded an apology from Jha. In response, AAP defended Jha, stating that it is the BJP that has historically mistreated Sikhs.

Jha, who is the outgoing MLA for Kirari, recently became embroiled in controversy after a heated exchange with BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala. The BJP alleged that Jha made the controversial comment about Puri during a television show. They claimed he referred to Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators as Puri's relatives, which they see as an affront to both Puri and the Sikh community.

Controversial Remarks and Political Tensions

BJP national spokesperson Sardar RP Singh and Sikh leader Impreet Bakshi issued a joint statement condemning Jha's remarks. They insisted that calling Puri, a respected Sikh figure, a relative of infiltrators is offensive to all Sikhs. They highlighted Puri's contributions as a diplomat and minister, noting his role in enhancing India's prestige.

AAP countered these allegations by pointing out that it was Hardeep Singh Puri himself who announced on August 17, 2022, that Rohingya immigrants were granted refuge in Delhi. They accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from its own failures regarding illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Political Implications Ahead of Elections

The Sikh community is described by Singh and Bakshi as one of the bravest, consistently working against anti-national infiltrators. They urged Jha to apologise to both the Sikh community and Hardeep Singh Puri for his comments. The political tension comes at a crucial time as the national capital prepares for elections on February 5, with results expected on February 8.

The AAP's defence of Jha suggests an ongoing political battle between the two parties over issues concerning immigration and community respect. As election day approaches, these controversies may influence voter sentiment in Delhi.