Chandigarh, April 17
In a strongly-worded press conference, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President Aman Arora sharply criticized Congress Leader of Opposition (LOP) Partap Bajwa for making reckless statements that threaten Punjab's peace and align with the agenda of the state's adversaries. He further called out the Congress party and the BJP for their failure to clarify their positions on these provocative remarks, particularly those endorsed by controversial figures like Gurpatwant Pannun.
Arora, addressing the media with AAP senior spokesperson Neel Garg, said that certain political leaders (Referring to Partap Bajwa), desperate to revive their fading political relevance, are resorting to reckless and dangerous statements. These politicians, instead of addressing the real issues of the people, are engaging in baseless rhetoric to further their own political agendas. He pointed out that such actions not only undermine the state's security but also create fear and panic among the people.
Arora criticized Pratap Bajwa for his statements regarding grenades allegedly entering Punjab, which he had earlier claimed in a media interview. Bajwa had linked these claims to intelligence reports, asserting that his sources were credible, though he later admitted that his information had come from a newspaper report. Arora stated, "If Bajwa had simply acknowledged that his source was a news article from 'Dainik Bhaskar,' the situation would have ended there. Instead, he chose to make sensational claims and spread fear."
Arora further expressed disappointment that Bajwa, despite being a seasoned politician, failed to act responsibly and undermined public trust in state institutions. "Bajwa’s comments have fueled fear and confusion. He also highlighted the High Court's direction for Bajwa to cooperate with the Punjab Police and refrain from making further inflammatory statements.
Aman Arora also condemned the fact that extremist elements such as Gurpatwant Pannu had used Bajwa's comments to justify their own anti-national rhetoric. Arora pointed out that Pannu, who had previously threatened to destroy statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Punjab, had now echoed Bajwa's claims. "When leaders like Bajwa make such statements, it emboldens anti-national forces like Pannu, who then use the opportunity to further their own divisive agenda," Arora stated.
Arora issued a strong challenge to both Congress and BJP, demanding that they clarify their positions on the issue. "Congress must answer whether they stand with Bajwa’s dangerous remarks and the support shown by Gurpatwant Pannun. The BJP, meanwhile, must take action against those who are actively working against the peace and stability of the country," he said.
He also raised concerns about the silence of the Indian government, particularly Narendra Modi who claims to be friends with Donald Trump, regarding the actions of Gurpatwant Pannun, who resides in the United States and continues to incite violence against Punjab and its people. "Why hasn’t the Indian government raised this issue with the U.S. authorities? Why has there been no diplomatic pressure to bring Pannun to justice?" Arora questioned.
Arora concluded the press conference by calling for responsible leadership in Punjab. He appealed to all political leaders, regardless of their party affiliations, to avoid making reckless statements that could harm Punjab’s harmony. "We need to stop this destructive rhetoric that only serves the interests of our enemies. Punjab’s peace, unity, and progress must come before any individual or political agenda," Arora asserted.
He also reiterated his strong belief in the people of Punjab, stating, "The people of Punjab will not be swayed by fear-mongering or divisive politics. We stand united in our commitment to peace and prosperity."