Chandigarh, Feb 8: Senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party have issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the Congress party, demanding a formal apology for derogatory remarks made by Leader of the Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa. The controversy follows comments directed at Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O., which AAP leaders characterized as an insult to the entire Dalit community.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, joined by Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Media In-charge Baltej Pannu, addressed the media on Sunday. Cheema noted that the Congress leader used highly objectionable language against a minister who rose from a humble background to clear the civil services and serve the state.
“Pratap Singh Bajwa and the entire Congress party must apologize to the Dalit community within 24 hours, or be prepared for strict action,” Cheema said. He mentioned that such remarks discourage children from hardworking families who aspire to achieve success through merit.
The Finance Minister noted that the Congress party has a history of targeting Dalit ministers by referring to them with belittling terms. He mentioned that while the Aam Aadmi Party provides platforms to people from ordinary households, the opposition continues to harbor a feudal mindset.
“Using such language against Dalits is extremely unfortunate,” Cheema said. He noted that the public will not tolerate insults based on caste and warned that the Congress would face political consequences for these statements.
