Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers staged protests against Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi’s ‘Jawani Sambhal Yatra’ at Chamkaur Sahib and Samrala, showing black flags and raising slogans against the Congress leadership.
AAP leaders accused Channi of political hypocrisy, alleging that he was staging a campaign in the name of protecting Punjab’s youth while remaining silent over the alleged assault on Dalit leader Ranjit Singh Tarkhan Majra at Congress Bhawan.
Why Is AAP Protesting Against Channi’s Yatra?
Addressing the media during the protest at Chamkaur Sahib, AAP candidate from the constituency, Jasvir Singh Garhi, accused Congress of discriminating against Dalits and backward communities.
Garhi said Ranjit Singh Tarkhan Majra was allegedly assaulted at Congress Bhawan, but the party leadership had failed to take action despite a disciplinary notice reportedly issued on November 1.
He questioned why the Congress leadership had not addressed Tarkhan Majra’s complaint even after the notice period expired.
Garhi Questions Channi’s Remarks on Dalit Leader
Jasvir Singh Garhi criticised Channi over his alleged remark questioning why Tarkhan Majra did not retaliate with four punches.
Calling the statement irresponsible, Garhi questioned whether a former Chief Minister should encourage retaliation instead of supporting constitutional values and the principles of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
He also alleged that Congress was attempting to dismiss the incident as an internal party matter while failing to address the victim’s concerns.
Garhi further claimed that the SC/ST-related case had been withheld and alleged that associates of Congress leader Barinder Dhillon made objectionable gestures towards members of the Dalit community during Channi’s rally.
AAP Targets Channi Over His Position in Congress
Taking another swipe at Channi, Garhi alleged that the former Chief Minister had limited influence within the Congress party.
He claimed that when Channi organised his cycle march with his own photograph, the Congress high command instructed him to include photographs of Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Raja Warring, Partap Singh Bajwa and Pargat Singh.
Garhi also mocked Channi’s position at party events, alleging that he was not being given an important place on the stage.
He said Channi should clarify whether he genuinely represents the interests and dignity of the Dalit community.
Black Flag Protest Also Held in Samrala
In Samrala, AAP leaders and volunteers staged another protest against the ‘Jawani Sambhal Yatra’ under the leadership of SC Wing District President Jaspreet Singh Bija.
Protesters waved black flags and raised slogans against Congress leaders, questioning the party’s silence over the alleged assault on Ranjit Singh Tarkhan Majra.
AAP leaders said Congress should first ensure dignity, respect and justice for Dalit leaders within its own organisation before delivering lectures on the future of Punjab’s youth.
AAP Accuses Congress of Double Standards
AAP leaders alleged that the Congress leadership’s silence over the incident exposed contradictions in its claims of supporting social justice.
They maintained that a political party cannot claim to protect marginalised communities while failing to ensure accountability and dignity for its own Dalit members.
The protests at Chamkaur Sahib and Samrala have added another political flashpoint to the ongoing confrontation between AAP and Congress in Punjab.
