Kejriwal slams BJP’s Parvesh Verma for remarks on Punjabis, demands apology

AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday criticized BJP leader Parvesh Verma, his rival from the New Delhi constituency, for his remarks on vehicles with Punjab registration plates in Delhi. Kejriwal accused Verma of insulting Punjabis and demanded an apology from him and Home Minister Amit Shah.

At a press conference, Kejriwal referred to Verma as a "small kid from Delhi" challenging Punjabis and questioned the BJP leader’s allegations. Verma had claimed that vehicles from Punjab were being used to campaign for Kejriwal and raised concerns about security risks ahead of Republic Day.

Kejriwal responded, "So, are all Punjabis terrorists, traitors, and a threat to the country?" He emphasized that Punjabis have played a vital role in shaping Delhi and the nation, citing their sacrifices during Partition and their contributions as refugees who rebuilt their lives in India.

The controversy began after Verma accused Kejriwal of misusing Punjab’s official machinery and resources for campaigning. He lodged complaints with the Election Commission and Delhi Police, alleging that vehicles from Punjab were part of a larger plan to disrupt security during Republic Day celebrations.

Kejriwal dismissed the allegations as baseless and said Verma’s statements were an insult to Punjabis. He demanded an apology from Amit Shah and Verma, stating, "The descendants of Delhi's Punjabis gave their lives for the country. They faced untold atrocities, yet they contributed significantly to the nation."

As tensions rise ahead of the elections, Kejriwal’s comments underscore the significant role of the Punjabi community in Delhi’s political and cultural landscape.