Punjab MLA Slams BJP Over Treatment of Artists and Leaders

Chandigarh, October 22: Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from Punjab on Thursday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that it continues to display hatred towards Punjab and Punjabis.

To illustrate his point, Dhaliwal referred to the insult of celebrated Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi, the cancellation of permission for Diljit Dosanjh's Delhi show, and the treatment of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann at Delhi airport.

He asserted that the BJP, despite governing at the Centre, has repeatedly shown discriminatory behaviour towards Punjabis and minority groups. Dhaliwal said the treatment of prominent Punjabi personalities reflects the party's narrow and divisive outlook and merits strong condemnation.

Dhaliwal addressed the Uttarakhand incident involving Daler Mehndi, calling the insult by a state minister and a BJP leader at a programme extremely condemnable. He noted that Mehndi has earned immense love and identity across the globe, and said that humiliating an artist of his stature reveals the party's attitude towards Punjab's people and culture.

He also raised the matter of Diljit Dosanjh's show in Delhi, which had originally been fixed for November 1. According to Dhaliwal, the singer had obtained permission, but was later asked to change the date because of historical events in Delhi linked to November 1.

Dhaliwal asked whether Diljit Dosanjh was being mistreated due to his Sikh identity and Punjabi background. He pointed out that the singer has performed before global audiences without facing such curbs, which makes the Delhi episode particularly distressing.

The AAP legislator also condemned the conduct towards Chief Minister Mann at Delhi airport after his return from France. He said the Chief Minister was deliberately humiliated on the grounds of excess baggage.

Dhaliwal questioned the rationale for this action, noting that baggage weight is generally examined at the departure point. He said any extra luggage should have been checked in France.

He concluded that the manner in which the Chief Minister was treated raises concerns about the Centre's attitude towards a leader who has consistently spoken for Punjab and its people.