'Bengal Stands By Punjabi Fraternity': Guv Bose In Response To 'Khalistani' Slur Row
In a statement, the Governor highlighted the importance of avoiding actions that may offend the sentiments of the Punjabi community.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose addressed the concerns raised by a Sikh delegation regarding the alleged 'Khalistani' slur on Thursday. In a statement, the Governor highlighted the importance of avoiding actions that may offend the sentiments of the Punjabi community. Bose reassured the Punjabi fraternity, stating that "Bengal stands in solidarity with them".
"We should not do anything which could even remotely hurt the sentiments of our Punjabi brethren...I would like to assure our Punjabi fraternity that Bengal stands by you," the official statement posted by news agency ANI on X said.
In response to the Sikh delegation on the 'Khalistani' slur row, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose says, "...We should not do anything which could even remotely hurt the sentiments of our Punjabi brethren...I would like to assure our Punjabi fraternity that Bengal stands by… pic.twitter.com/7jEEuEQvyn
— ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2024
The statement further said: "India owes a great deal to the valiant Punjabis. Our Punjabi jawans stand like formidable walls defending national security. Our Punjabi kisans are in the forefront to ensure that we have enough foodgrains to feed the nation."
"Raj Bhavan will be making a Punjabi Bagh in its estate as a tribute and symbol of Bengal's abiding admiration for the Punjabi community. The legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh's portrait will be unveiled in Raj Bhavan, Kolkata on 23.03.2024 marking the day of his martyrdom," it added.
Earlier in the week, around 200 members of the Sikh community held a demonstration in front of the BJP office in the city. This demonstration was in support of an IPS officer who claimed that West Bengal party leader Suvendu Adhikari had called him as a 'Khalistani’.
Adhikari, along with BJP leader Agnimitra Paul, said that the IPS officer, Jaspreet Singh, was neglecting his duties.
They refuted claims that anyone from the party had referred to him as a 'Khalistani,' according to the PTI news agency. Paul stated, "No one has abused him or used the word 'Khalistani'. He is trying to make an issue."
On Tuesday, the IPS officer confronted BJP workers, expressing his displeasure, "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."
A protester near the BJP office highlighted the perceived hypocrisy, stating, "Farmers from Punjab are described as Khalistanis by some BJP leaders for demanding better support prices for their crops. A policeman from Punjab has been similarly labeled by the saffron party for doing his duty as a police officer."
"We are all patriotic Indians. None can question our patriotism, our sacrifice, our love for the country. Why should wearing turbans as part of our religious right make a Sikh tagged as a Khalistani? We demand an apology from the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on this issue," an elderly Sikh gentleman was quoted as saying by PTI.
The IPS officer was assigned to prevent Adhikari from visiting the restive Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district. Similar protests were held by members of the Sikh community in Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman district.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee already slammed the BJP's "divisive politics" on Tuesday, denouncing attempts to undermine the reputation of Sikhs as audacious.
Adhikari refuted the allegations, accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of diverting attention from developments in Sandeshkhali. The area had been witnessing protests after local women accused absconding TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of "sexually assaulting" them under coercion, according to the PTI report.
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