New Delhi: A political controversy has erupted over the detention of protesters near Delhi’s Bangla Sahib Gurudwara ahead of a demonstration called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), with Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal accusing police of disrespecting the sanctity of the religious complex and mistreating women protesters.
In a post on X, Harsimrat said the alleged entry of police personnel into the sacred premises and the reported treatment of women during the protest were unacceptable. She called for Delhi Police to be held accountable for its actions.
Her remarks drew a sharp response from BJP leader and Supreme Court lawyer HS Phoolka, who questioned why the SAD (Badal) was contributing to what he described as a false and misleading narrative about the incident.
Harsimrat later deleted her post. However, several opposition leaders reportedly saved screenshots and continued sharing them on social media.
Controversy amid alliance speculation
The row comes amid speculation that the BJP and the SAD (Badal) could formally renew their alliance by the end of October.
Earlier, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia had said in a television interview that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar should resign amid growing protests against him.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Vikramjit Singh criticised the reported holding of a protest, raising slogans and making what he described as non-religious speeches inside the gurdwara premises. He said the incident should be condemned.
The controversy has brought differing political responses to the police action and the use of a religious site during the protests into focus.
