Angry about being targeted with a “Khalistani” remark, a Sikh IPS officer responded to West Bengal BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, urging them to refrain from stereotyping and respect his faith.
The incident, escalating into a new clash between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress, occurred on Monday. A police team prevented BJP leaders and supporters from visiting Sandeshkhali, which is at the centre of an another political row.
A video captured SSP (IB) Jaspreet Singh, a 2016-batch IPS officer, getting angry when BJP leaders, including MLA Agnimitra Paul, called him a “Khalistani.”
“I will take action on this. Just because I am wearing a turban, you assumed I am a Khalistani? You cannot say anything about my religion. Has anybody said anything about your religion? Then why did you comment on my religion?” the police officer said.
Singh told BJP MLA Paul: “Nobody is making any comments on religion, only you are making. If any police person is wearing a turban, are they assumed as Khalistani?… I’m not discussing your faith; don’t bring up mine either. How dare you label me a Khalistani! Is this your level?”
Soon after the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed the BJP, accusing it of indulging in “divisive politics.”
She said: “Today, the BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. As per @BJP4India every person wearing a turban is a Khalistani. I vehemently condemn this audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of our Sikh brothers & sisters, revered for their sacrifices and unwavering determination to our nation. We stand firm in protecting Bengal’s social harmony and will take stern lawful measures to prevent any attempts to disrupt it.”
A Sikh community organisation also protested in front of the BJP state office in Kolkata.
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