Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal launched a sharp attack on the Congress Party, accusing it of attempting to exploit Sikh religious sentiments for political gains while ignoring its own historical record regarding the Sikh community.
Responding to recent remarks made by Congress leaders on Sikh-related issues, Dhaliwal questioned the party’s moral authority to comment on matters concerning Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Sikh faith. He alleged that Congress, which has been accused by many Sikh organizations of being responsible for several historical injustices against the Sikh community, cannot erase its past by making politically motivated statements.
Dhaliwal stated that the Congress Party should first answer for what he described as its role in incidents that deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, including the events of 1984. He remarked that the party had failed to take meaningful action against individuals accused of involvement in the anti-Sikh violence that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The AAP leader further criticized Congress for what he termed as “politics in the name of religious institutions.” He pointed out that while Congress leaders recently addressed the media on Sikh issues, senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa was notably absent from the press conference. According to Dhaliwal, the absence highlighted internal divisions within the Congress Party and exposed contradictions in its political messaging.
“Congress leaders are attempting to use the name of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to revive their declining political fortunes,” Dhaliwal said. “Before speaking about Sikh concerns, they should explain why they have not consistently raised their voice to remove from the party those who were accused in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.”
Dhaliwal asserted that the Sikh community has not forgotten the events of the past and remains aware of the political parties that, according to him, failed to stand with Punjab and the Sikhs during difficult times. He emphasized that any discussion on Sikh issues must be based on sincerity and respect rather than political expediency.
The statement is the latest in an ongoing war of words between Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress Party, with both sides increasingly invoking historical and religious issues ahead of future political battles in the state. The exchange reflects the continued significance of Sikh religious institutions and historical grievances in Punjab’s political discourse.
Dhaliwal concluded by urging political parties to refrain from using sacred religious institutions for electoral purposes and instead focus on addressing the real concerns of the people of Punjab, including development, employment, agriculture, and social welfare.