SAD stages protest in Mohali against AAP leader Atishi, warns of wider agitation

SAD workers and leaders protesting against AAP leader Atishi outside district administration complex in Mohali on Saturday. (Express Photo)

As part of a statewide protest campaign launched on the directions of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, the party on January 10 staged a dharna outside the District Administrative Complex in Mohali, opposing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi and the party’s leadership.

The protest was led by SAD treasurer and former Derabassi MLA N K Sharma, along with district president Parvinder Singh Sohana. Addressing the gathering, Sharma alleged that incidents of sacrilege involving different religions began in Punjab after the arrival of the Aam Aadmi Party in the state. He claimed that the AAP was “directly involved” in such incidents and cited the Malerkotla case, stating that a Delhi-based AAP MLA, Naresh Yadav, was found guilty.

“It is ironic that the party which tried to malign Shiromani Akali Dal over sacrilege issues is now defending the accused in courts,” Sharma said, alleging double standards on the part of AAP.

District president of SAD Parvinder Singh Sohana accused AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal of acting under a “conspiracy,” and alleged that Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition Atishi Marlena deliberately targeted the Sikh community by using objectionable language related to the Gurus. He said Sikhs across Punjab and abroad have taken serious note of the remarks and are demanding an apology.

“Today’s dharna is a signal of a bigger struggle. If accountability is not fixed, a large-scale agitation will be launched,” he warned.

Several senior leaders, SGPC members, youth leaders and block committee members addressed the protest. The demonstrators raised slogans against Atishi, Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and also burnt an effigy of Atishi.

Later, a memorandum addressed to the Punjab Governor and the Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly was submitted through the Deputy Commissioner. Due to a holiday, the memorandum was received by SP Ramandeep Singh. A large number of party leaders and workers were present during the protest.