BJP workers allegedly hurl 'Khalistani' jibe at Sikh IPS officer; saffron party reacts

PTC News Desk: A political feud erupted after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared a video in which a Sikh police officer from her state was heard accusing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker of calling him a 'Khalistani'.

Reportedly, Bengal IPS officer Jaspreet Singh was stationed at Dhamakhali to prevent West Bengal leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari from visiting restive Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. The officer however got agitated after a group of activists of the BJP allegedly hurled the 'Khalistani' jibe at him.

In the video shared by the TMC chief, the cop is heard saying, "I will act on this. You say this simply because I am wearing a turban. If I didn't wear a turban, would you call me a Khalistani? You can't say this about my religion."

"I'm not going to say anything about your religion; you can't either. Why did you call me Khalistani? Is this your level?" he was heard asking during the heated argument. 

Mamata Banerjee reacts

The West Bengal chief minister lashed out at the BJP, writing, "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,” she further said.

'Shameful beyond words': Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa 

Reacting to the incident, the Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa took to X and posted, "This is shameful beyond words.

BJP workers in West Bengal are calling a Sikh IPS officer Khalistani just because he is doing his duty. Is this what BJP thinks about Sikhs?"

"A strong action should be taken against those trying to create this hooliganism and portraying Sikhs as Khalistanis," he added.

BJP denies allegations

However, the BJP denied the allegations and accused the cop of failing to perform his duties.

"Nobody has abused him or used the term Khalistani. He is trying to create an issue. The police officer was not performing his duties in accordance with the Constitution," BJP leader Agnimitra Paul said.

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