Has AAP Become Terrified of Akali Dal? Sukhbir Badal's Arrest Sparks Outrage
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, Sukhbir Badal and Akali workers faced arrest while protesting against a case targeting Bikram Singh Majithia. Badal criticizes AAP's tactics, raising questions about democracy and human rights in Punjab.
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal leads a protest against the AAP government.
- The arrest signifies rising tensions in Punjab politics.
- Claims of political vendetta and repression have been made by Badal.
- The events are compared to historical crackdowns on civil liberties.
- Concerns about human rights and democracy are raised.
Chandigarh, July 2 (NationPress) Sukhbir Badal, the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), was arrested along with fellow Akali workers during a protest against the filing of a case against senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia. The police prevented Badal from visiting gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib to offer prayers, which was part of his planned demonstration against what he termed political vendetta against Majithia.
A significant number of Akali supporters were forcibly removed by substantial police forces who were deployed to restrict their access to the sacred site.
“The AAP has grown so fearful of the Shiromani Akali Dal that it has launched a state-wide crackdown on our workers, detaining numerous senior leaders and activists at their homes along with preventive arrests,” Badal remarked to the press at the protest site.
He accused Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister, of orchestrating the governance of Punjab from outside, stating, “The police cases are merely a cover-up. We will not permit Punjab to be governed by outsiders from Delhi.” He further claimed that Kejriwal resorted to repression as a last-ditch effort to distract the public from the ongoing exploitation by his administration. According to Badal, such repression and political vendetta are the final tactics employed by unappealing and disconnected leaders.
He characterized the crackdown on peaceful Akali members as more severe than during the Emergency period or even the Jaitu Da Morcha, asserting that, unlike Wednesday's events, Sikhs were not obstructed from visiting their holy sites.
Badal stated, “I am unconcerned about the personal repression I face, as defiance is in my blood. However, I caution the government against acting repressively towards our peaceful Akali supporters.” He termed the events of Wednesday as a “flagrant assault on democracy, civil liberties, and human rights.” He questioned, “Where are the advocates of human rights now?”
Point of View
We stand by the principles of democracy and civil liberties. The recent events highlight the ongoing political tensions in Punjab, where the rights of citizens and their leaders must be preserved. The actions of the AAP government, as described by Badal, raise significant concerns about the treatment of political dissent and the rule of law in a democratic society.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Sukhbir Badal's arrest?
Sukhbir Badal was arrested during a protest against the registration of a case against senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
What does Badal accuse the AAP government of?
Badal accuses the AAP government of political vendetta and repression against Akali workers.
