Punjab CM accuses BJP of questioning Sikh police officer’s patriotism in Bengal

Chandigarh, Feb 21 (UNI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday accused BJP leaders of questioning a Sikh police officer’s patriotism in West Bengal and demanded an apology from the saffron party.

Mann was referring to a senior IPS officer’s allegation that he was called a “Khalistani” during an altercation after stopping a group of BJP MLAsinclduing the state Assembly’s Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari from entering Sandeshkhali in West Bengal on Tuesday. Adhikari and another BJP legislator from Wes Bengal Agnimira Pal have both denied the police officer’s allegation.

Mann said it is “unfortunate” that the leaders of the saffron party are raising questions on the credentials of the community that is known for its patriotism and nationalism. ” …it is unfortunate that BJP leaders are branding a Sikh officer performing his duty meticulously as anti-national. This is a grave insult to the Punjabis in general and the Sikh community in particular,” said Mann.

He said the BJP leaders have forgotten that the Punjabis in general and the Sikh community in particular have made countless sacrifices for the country’s freedom. Likewise, he said the enormous contribution of the Sikh farmers in making the country self-reliant in food production can also not be ignored.

Similarly, Mann said the valiant sons of Punjab are making supreme sacrifices to safeguard the borders of the country. “The great Sikh Gurus have taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression,” he said, adding, This humiliation will not be tolerated at any cost”.