BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari categorically rejected the accusations leveled against his party regarding the alleged use of derogatory language, specifically the term "Khalistani," directed at a turbaned Sikh police officer during a procession in Sandeshkhali. Adhikari dismissed the claims as being concocted by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
His remarks come in the aftermath of a video purportedly capturing the incident, which triggered a political uproar. Mamata Banerjee shared the video, depicting the officer objecting to being referred to as a "Khalistani" by someone present at the scene. In the video, the officer passionately asserts, "Just because I wear a turban, you assume this. If I didn't wear one, would you still call me Khalistani? You can criticize the police, but you have no right to comment on my religion."
The West Bengal Police attributed the usage of the derogatory term "Khalistani" to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
In an interview with India Today TV, Suvendu Adhikari countered, "This entire controversy has been manufactured by Mamata Banerjee. We have not made any such remarks. Show me proof of us making such comments. This is Mamata's fabrication. We hold Sikhs in high esteem."
Adhikari accused Mamata Banerjee of misguiding the Sikh community and sowing seeds of division.
"Mamata Banerjee was a Congress MP in 1984, and in 2020, we all saw how the police treated a Sikh," Adhikari asserted.
"I echo the sentiments expressed by the Governor, and I actively participate in Prakash Parab and other Sikh events," the BJP leader emphasized.
Expressing solidarity with the Sikh community, Adhikari urged them not to fall prey to the Trinamool Congress's deception. He alleged that the Sikh individual holding the press conference holds a position within the Trinamool Congress.
"I urge the Sikh community and gurdwaras to reach out to me for clarification. We hold Guru Nanak in utmost reverence, and I attend all gurdwara events. I am willing to clarify any doubts the Sikh community may have, but I refuse to succumb to the pressure from the TMC," Adhikari concluded.
