BJP workers jeer at Sikh police officer, call him Khalistani in West Bengal
Kolkatta: Divisive politics being propounded by Hindutva parties in India was once again on display when a turbaned Sikh police officer deputed in Dhamakhali area of India’s West Bengal state was called a Khalistani by BJP workers.
The BJP activists hurled the ‘Khalistani’ jibe at the Sikh IPS officer Jaspreet Sinhgh when he, along with his team was deputed at Dhamakhali and had put up barricades to stop West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari from visiting restive Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. Reportedly, police had stopped Adhikari from visiting Sandeshkhali, citing the imposition of prohibitory orders.
In a video shared by West Bengal Chief Minister on X, the Sikh IPS officer, who is currently posted as SP (Intelligence Bureau) in West Bengal Police, was heard saying to BJP supporters, “Just because I am wearing a turban, you people are calling me a Khalistani? Is this what you have learnt? If a police officer wears a turban and performs his duty honestly, he becomes a Khalistani for you? Shame on you”. “I am just doing my job. Did I say anything about your religion, why are you speaking about my religion?” he said.
Along with sharing the video clip, Mamata Banerjee said the BJP’s divisive politics has crossed all constitutional limits. She further wrote, “BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries, and condemned the audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of Sikhs, revered for their sacrifices and unwavering determination to the nation”.
“We stand firm in protecting Bengal’s social harmony and will take stern lawful measures to prevent any attempts to disrupt it,” she said.
The Congress also slammed the BJP over the incident. The party tweeted the video and said: “Look at the degraded behaviour of BJP people. A police officer who served the country day and night was called a Khalistani because he wore a turban. This is a very degraded mentality.”
