New Delhi – A major political controversy surrounding Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks has engulfed Delhi’s political landscape, resulting in detentions, protests, and cross-border police action. Several Aam Aadmi Party workers and MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj were briefly detained during a demonstration near the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters on DDU Marg in central Delhi. The dispute over alleged Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks centers on a January 6 Delhi Assembly debate that has now triggered parallel FIRs, forensic video examinations, and intense political mudslinging between the ruling BJP and opposition AAP.
Origins in Assembly Proceedings
The controversy over Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks began during the Winter Session of the Delhi Assembly on January 6, when legislators discussed the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. During this session, ruling BJP members accused Leader of the Opposition Atishi of using “insensitive words” regarding the revered Sikh guru and demanded an immediate apology. The AAP vehemently denied these allegations, claiming the BJP was making “false claims” and deliberately creating controversy around the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks.
The session descended into chaos as both parties traded accusations, with Atishi subsequently absent from house meetings on following days. The party explained she was in Goa, while the political firestorm over the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks continued to intensify.
BJP Escalates With Video Evidence
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva escalated the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks controversy on Sunday by sharing what he claimed was video evidence of Atishi speaking against the Sikh guru. At a press conference, Sachdeva challenged AAP to file an FIR against him, stating: “Delhi minister Kapil Mishra had shared the video clip related to Atishi Marlena’s controversial statement during the assembly proceedings, following which the AAP government in Punjab got an FIR registered against him.”
Sachdeva argued that since the incident occurred in the Delhi Assembly, only the Speaker could take cognizance of the matter. He criticized Punjab government’s intervention in the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks dispute as procedurally improper and politically motivated.
AAP’s Counter-Protest and Allegations
Led by Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP workers staged a protest near BJP headquarters, categorically rejecting the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks allegations and claiming the circulated video was “doctored.” The party turned the tables, accusing BJP leaders of actually disrespecting Guru Tegh Bahadur and other Sikh gurus through their manipulated content.
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Speaking at the protest site, Bhardwaj demanded an apology from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta regarding the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks controversy. “It has been proven that BJP minister Kapil Mishra inserted false words in Atishi’s video and attempted to vitiate religious harmony in the country. Action should be taken against them,” Bhardwaj declared.
Delhi police detained approximately 20 protesters, including the MLA, though all were released within hours. No FIR was registered against the demonstrators protesting the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks allegations.
Forensic Examination Ordered
Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta formally directed that video footage containing the disputed Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks be sent for forensic examination, seeking a comprehensive report within 15 days. This technical analysis aims to determine whether the video evidence has been altered or authentically represents what transpired during the assembly session.
The forensic investigation represents a critical juncture in resolving the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks controversy, potentially providing definitive evidence about video manipulation claims.
Punjab Police Intervention
In a dramatic development, Punjab Police registered an FIR against Delhi minister Kapil Mishra on Friday for posting the controversial video related to Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks. Police authorities in the AAP-governed state declared the video “doctored” and “edited,” providing Atishi what BJP termed a “clean chit” before forensic examination results were available.
This cross-border police action regarding Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks triggered immediate backlash from the Delhi Assembly, which issued formal privilege notices to Punjab’s Director General of Police, special DGP of cyber cell, and Jalandhar’s police commissioner.
Breach of Privilege Claims
The Delhi Assembly characterized Punjab Police’s FIR regarding Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks as a breach of legislative privilege. The formal notices questioned Punjab authorities’ jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute matters arising from Delhi Assembly proceedings without appropriate coordination or respect for parliamentary procedures.
BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor stated that since the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks issue relates to Sikhs and Punjab, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal attempted to suppress the matter by claiming video manipulation. He suggested political calculations rather than truth-seeking motivated AAP’s response.
Weak Protest Turnout Noted
Despite AAP’s strong rhetoric about the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks controversy, observers noted poor turnout at their protest near BJP headquarters. According to BJP sources, the party could barely mobilize around 100 workers for the demonstration, with most AAP MLAs notably absent from the protest organized in Atishi’s support.
This weak showing raised questions about internal party cohesion regarding the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks defense strategy and whether AAP legislators privately harbor concerns about their leader’s actual statements.
Competing Narratives and Religious Sensitivity
The Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks controversy highlights how religious sentiments intersect with political warfare in contemporary Indian politics. Both parties invoke the ninth Sikh Guru’s martyrdom and legacy while accusing opponents of disrespect, creating competing narratives that complicate public understanding.
BJP maintains that Atishi made insensitive Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks requiring apology, while AAP insists the entire controversy stems from deliberately doctored videos designed to create communal discord. Sachdeva emphasized that AAP’s attempt to characterize edited footage as authentic represents an effort to “vitiate religious harmony.”
Awaiting Forensic Clarity
As the Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks dispute continues, all parties await the Speaker’s forensic examination report. This technical analysis will potentially resolve whether video manipulation occurred or whether Atishi’s actual words sparked legitimate controversy. Until then, the political storm surrounding Guru Tegh Bahadur remarks will likely continue generating protests, counter-protests, and escalating rhetoric between Delhi’s principal political adversaries.
