Phagwara/Chandigarh, April 11
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders strongly condemned the offensive remarks made by Khalistani supporter Gurpatwant Pannun against the architect of the Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating that such statements are an attempt by Pannun to disrupt Punjab's harmony.
On Friday, AAP leaders Harnoor Singh Maan, Lalit Saklani, Jarnail Nangal, and Santosh Kumar Gogi addressed a press conference in Phagwara, where they fiercely criticized Gurpatwant Pannun’s statements.
Addressing the media, Harnoor Singh Maan called Pannun's remarks highly objectionable. He said that Pannun is neither a Sikh, a Punjabi, nor an Indian. "He is an agent of central agencies and works at the behest of anti-Punjab forces," Maan said.
The AAP leader emphasized that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is not just a leader for Dalits but a respected figure for people of all castes and religions in India. Through the Constitution, he ensured rights for Dalits, women, minorities, and other marginalized groups.
Appealing to the Dalit community in Punjab, Maan urged them to rise against individuals like Gurpatwant Pannun and respond decisively by joining the mainstream of education and development. "Anti-Punjab forces like Pannun cannot tolerate Punjab's progress, peace, and harmony. That is why he wants to push people into the fire of violence," he said.
AAP leader Lalit Saklani stated that Gurpatwant Pannun lacks knowledge of Sikhism, which is why he is making such derogatory remarks. He said, "Punjab is the land of Gurus and Saints. It does not tolerate hatred and violence. Our Gurus have taught us humanity and the concept of 'Sarbat Da Bhala' (welfare of all)."
He further added, "In Sikhism, there is no place for caste discrimination, nor does it allow any form of bias based on caste or religion. Therefore, people like Pannun cannot harm Punjab, and the people here will never fall for his words. We need not pay much attention to his statements."
The AAP leader concluded by announcing that the party will celebrate Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14 with great enthusiasm. He said that all AAP workers and leaders across the state will protect his statues, ensuring no miscreants can disrespect them.