BJP Refutes Allegations Of Using ‘Khalistani Slur’ Against Sikh Officer, Accuses Bengal Police Of Acting As Mamata’s Agent

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly refuted claims that its Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari used a "Khalistani" slur against a Sikh IPS officer during a confrontation between BJP workers and police near Sandeshkhali island in West Bengal.

Accusing the officer, Jaspeet Singh, of violating a Calcutta High Court order that permitted Adhikari to visit Sandeshkhali, the state BJP alleged that the Bengal police were prioritising political interests over their policing duties. Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, was en route to Sandeshkhali amid allegations of land grab and extortion against local Trinamool Congress leaders.

The BJP accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of fabricating the issue to divert attention from the Sandeshkhali controversy. The face-off intensified when Bengal police prevented Adhikari from proceeding to the island despite the court order, sparking high drama in Dhamakhali.

We, the people of Bengal are equally outraged to see that @WBPolice, which should be acting as custodians of law and order in the state, have reduced themselves to being doormats of the ruling TMC.

Since WB Police is talking about capability, do we need to remind that had the… https://t.co/EbBC5VSmFn pic.twitter.com/1iskZ0QGbr

— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 20, 2024

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In response, the BJP argued that the officer's actions were in contempt of court and accused him of acting as an agent of the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. They emphasised that none of their leaders used derogatory terms and criticised the officer for allegedly seeking undue attention.

The state BJP countered Bengal police's accusations by sharing visuals of Sikh protesters being taken into custody with their turbans removed, highlighting what they deemed disrespectful behavior towards Sikhs. The party's rebuttal followed Bengal police's condemnation of Adhikari's alleged use of the Khalistani slur against the Sikh officer, promising strict action.

A viral video capturing the heated exchange between BJP leaders and the Sikh officer has triggered a massive controversy. The officer asserted his Sikh identity and condemned attempts to label him as a Khalistani. Political leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi, condemned the incident, decrying the BJP's alleged divisive politics.

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Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, denounced the BJP leaders' alleged character assassination of the Sikh IPS officer, highlighting the Sikh community's historical contributions to the nation's freedom and security.