The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Sunday, 11 October filed a formal police complaint against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its national convener Arvind Kejriwal, a day after protesters allegedly linked to the party entered Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Connaught Place, New Delhi, and reportedly 'undermined the sanctity' of the revered Sikh shrine. The complaint was submitted to New Delhi District Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma by senior DSGMC officials.

What Happened at Bangla Sahib

According to DSGMC officials, the protesters allegedly arrived at the gurdwara concealing pamphlets, placards, and banners in their bags before launching into sloganeering inside the sacred premises. DSGMC President Sardar Harmeet Singh Kalka described the incident as a 'planned conspiracy' to undermine the gurdwara's sanctity and manufacture a political narrative.

'This is condemnable, and there is widespread anger in the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that the Aam Aadmi Party has stooped to this level that they are targeting gurdwaras for political purposes,' Kalka said.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Chairman Bhupinder Singh Bhullar confirmed that all protesters who entered the shrine on Saturday were allegedly affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party, and that the complaint had been filed specifically against the party and Kejriwal.

DSGMC's Response to Bhagwant Mann's Post

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had posted on social media claiming that Delhi Police personnel 'forcibly entered' the gurdwara during the incident — a claim that drew a sharp rebuttal from Kalka. 'I am disappointed with Bhagwant Mann's post. I want to ask him whether the hundreds of security personnel accompanying him to gurdwaras, remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering? The conduct of the police personnel is a separate matter, but protesters were allegedly provoked and brought into the Gurdwara yesterday,' Kalka said.

Notably, this is not the first time Gurdwara Bangla Sahib has found itself at the centre of political activity; a similar episode reportedly occurred during protests in July, when the DSGMC also provided shelter and medical assistance to demonstrators.

DSGMC's Stance on Protesters

DSGMC officials were careful to distinguish between worship and protest. Bhullar made clear that protesters are welcome to enter the gurdwara to offer prayers and partake in the community kitchen ('langar'), and that accommodation and medical assistance would be provided if required — as was done during the July visit. However, he drew a firm line against political demonstrations inside the premises.

'We will not allow protests inside the Gurdwara under any circumstances, regardless of the political party involved,' Bhullar asserted.

Kalka urged protesters to redirect their grievances to designated protest sites, adding: 'Gurdwaras should not be used as forts. A gurdwara is a place of worship. If your concerns are not addressed by Home Minister Amit Shah or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, come to the Gurdwara and offer prayers; your prayers will surely be heard.'

Political and Community Fallout

The incident adds a communal-sensitivity dimension to the already charged political rivalry between the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-aligned DSGMC in Delhi. The DSGMC, which administers historic Sikh shrines in the capital, has historically had a contentious relationship with AAP over gurdwara governance and Sikh representation. Critics argue the incident risks deepening a rift within the Sikh community at a politically sensitive time.

AAP had not issued an official response to the complaint at the time of filing. The matter is expected to escalate further as Delhi Police investigates the formal complaint.