Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar escalates as workers gherao MLA Pargat Singh’s residence
Jalandhar (Punjab):
Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar took a dramatic turn on Saturday as leaders and workers of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) attempted to gherao the residence of Congress Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh, a day after the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police registered an FIR over the controversy involving alleged remarks attributed to AAP leader and Delhi Assembly Leader of Opposition Atishi Marlena.
The political temperature in Punjab rose sharply as the issue, originating from Delhi politics, spilled onto the streets of Jalandhar, drawing sharp reactions from all major political parties.
Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar after FIR by commissionerate police
The controversy intensified on Friday after the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police lodged an FIR in connection with the circulation of an allegedly doctored video of Atishi Marlena. The FIR triggered immediate political backlash, with AAP alleging a deliberate attempt to malign the image of its senior leader through manipulated social media content.
A day later, AAP leaders and workers gathered outside the residence of Congress MLA Pargat Singh, accusing him of sharing the alleged doctored video on his Facebook account and demanding his immediate arrest.
AAP leaders attempt gherao as Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar gains momentum
As AAP workers reached the MLA’s residence, slogans were raised demanding strict action against Pargat Singh. The situation became tense when the Congress MLA stepped out of his house to address the protesters.
However, heavy police deployment prevented any direct confrontation, stopping Pargat Singh from approaching the demonstrators. Police personnel formed a human barricade to maintain law and order as the protest continued.
Pargat Singh reacts strongly amid Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar
Addressing the media, Pargat Singh accused AAP leaders of avoiding genuine dialogue and said that he would not be intimidated by threats or FIRs.
“AAP leaders have failed to respond to my open challenge. I will not retreat indoors or be frightened,” he said.
Taking a dig at the Delhi leadership of AAP, the MLA remarked:
“Even if Kejriwal and Sisodia file ten FIRs against me, I will not be afraid. These so-called leaders from Delhi are sycophants who lack the courage for real debate.”
His remarks further fueled the political confrontation, deepening the divide between the Congress and AAP in Punjab.
Minister Mohinder Bhagat leads protest during Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar
Among the prominent AAP leaders present at the protest were Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat and Jalandhar Central halqa in-charge Nitin Kohli. Both leaders accused Pargat Singh of deliberately circulating manipulated content to tarnish the reputation of Atishi Marlena.
They alleged that the video in question was doctored and maliciously shared to mislead the public and defame a senior AAP leader.
“This is a deliberate conspiracy to malign Atishi and misinform people. Such acts will not be tolerated,” an AAP leader said during the protest.
Opposition parties enter fray as Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar widens
While AAP targeted the Congress, opposition parties also seized the opportunity to corner the ruling party.
SAD protests at Guru Nanak Mission Chowk
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders, led by Iqbal Singh Dhindsa, SAD (Urban) President, staged a protest at Guru Nanak Mission Chowk. The Akali leaders demanded that Atishi Marlena step down from the Delhi Vidhan Sabha, alleging that the controversy had lowered the dignity of the House.
BJP burns effigy amid Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also joined the protests. Led by former minister Manoranjan Kalia, BJP leaders gathered at Company Bagh, where they burnt the effigy of Atishi Marlena.
Kalia strongly criticized the Jalandhar Police, accusing it of acting under pressure from the ruling AAP.
“The Jalandhar Police had no jurisdiction to get the video examined by forensic teams. This authority rests solely with the Delhi Vidhan Sabha,” Kalia alleged.
He further accused the police of compromising institutional neutrality.
Khaira alleges political vendetta during Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar
Congress MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, alleged that the Jalandhar Police had registered cases against him, Pargat Singh, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, and others for allegedly sharing the video.
However, police officials refuted the claim, clarifying that the FIR was registered against unknown persons and not against any specific political leader at this stage.
Delhi Vidhan Sabha seeks explanation as Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar deepens
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Delhi Vidhan Sabha has sought an explanation from the Punjab DGP and the Commissioner of Jalandhar.
The House has asked why the Punjab Police intervened in a matter related to legislative proceedings, stating that the proceedings of the Assembly are privileged and the exclusive property of the House.
The Delhi Vidhan Sabha has directed both officials to submit their explanation by January 12, raising serious constitutional and procedural questions.
Political impact of Atishi row AAP protest in Jalandhar
The Atishi controversy has now transformed into a full-fledged political flashpoint in Punjab, with protests, counter-protests, and allegations flying thick and fast. What began as a social media dispute has escalated into a debate over police jurisdiction, freedom of expression, and political vendetta.
With AAP, Congress, SAD, and BJP all locked in confrontation, the issue is expected to dominate Punjab’s political discourse in the coming days.
