Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators from Punjab on Sunday, 11 October 2026, strongly condemned the Delhi Police for allegedly violating the sanctity of Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib in the national capital during a crackdown on protesters, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the release of all detained individuals.

Key Demands by AAP Punjab Lawmakers

AAP MLAs Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Baljinder Kaur, and Manvinder Singh Giaspura issued a joint statement laying out three demands: the immediate resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah, the unconditional release of all protesters detained during Saturday's demonstration, and strict disciplinary action against police personnel who allegedly entered the gurdwara premises wearing shoes and with their heads uncovered — a direct breach of Sikh religious protocol known as 'maryada'.

What Allegedly Happened at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib

The legislators alleged that the BJP-led Central government crossed 'all limits' by deploying force against protesters, disrupting public transport, and permitting police personnel to enter the sacred premises without observing basic religious decorum. According to the lawmakers, individuals were detained and harassed inside the gurdwara compound itself, an act they said had 'deeply hurt Sikh sentiments' and raised serious questions about the ruling party's respect for religious institutions.

Dhaliwal Invokes Operation Bluestar and 1984

MLA Dhaliwal drew a sharp historical parallel, stating: 'The actions of the Delhi Police have brought back painful memories of Operation Bluestar and the events of 1984, which the Sikh community has never forgotten. The BJP has repeatedly criticised the Congress over 1984, but the incident at Bangla Sahib has exposed the hypocrisy of its own politics.' He added that despite being political rivals, both the BJP and the Congress appeared to share 'no different' an approach when it came to 'suppressing Sikhs and their voices.' Dhaliwal also appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take serious notice and mobilise Sikh organisations against what he termed a violation of gurdwara maryada.

Akali Dal and SGPC Silence Questioned

Legislator Baljit Kaur trained her criticism on traditional Sikh political bodies as well, asking why Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Harjinder Singh Dhami had remained silent over what she described as a 'serious incident.' She questioned whether 'political understandings with the BJP' were being prioritised over Sikh sentiments and urged the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to demand accountability.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

This comes amid escalating political tensions surrounding protests in New Delhi, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of heavy-handed policing. The invocation of 1984 and Operation Bluestar — events of enduring sensitivity for the Sikh community — signals an attempt to frame the incident in religious and historical terms that transcend ordinary political dispute. The Delhi Police has not publicly responded to the specific allegations about the gurdwara premises. Whether the Akal Takht takes up the matter formally could determine how far the controversy escalates beyond partisan politics.