DSGMC chief accuses AAP of “dirty politics” over protest attempt inside Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, says "not arena for your politics”
DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka accuses AAP MLAs of dirty politics after an attempted protest inside Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing its MLAs of engaging in "dirty politics" following a controversial protest attempt inside the historic Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
DSGMC Chief Slams AAP Over Bangla Sahib Protest Attempt
DSGMC President Harmeet Singh Kalka expressed deep distress over the incident, stating that the attempt to stage a demonstration within the sacred premises has deeply wounded Sikh sentiments. He emphasized that a Gurdwara is a sanctuary for prayer and solace, not a stage for political maneuvering.
"Not an Arena for Your Politics"
Speaking to the media, Kalka issued a stern warning to the ruling party in Delhi, asserting that religious institutions must remain free from political agendas. "It is deeply distressing to see attempts being made to turn Gurudwara Bangla Sahib into a political arena," Kalka said. "This is a sacred institution... Yet, protesters intruded and attempted to stage a demonstration there, deeply hurting Sikh sentiments."
Kalka clarified the committee's stance on demonstrations, noting that while individuals are welcome to offer prayers, the Gurdwara is not a venue for activism. He suggested that those wishing to voice grievances should direct their protests toward Parliament or the specific entities they are challenging, rather than entering religious grounds.
Concerns Over Police Presence and CCTV Investigation
The controversy also extended to the presence of uniformed police officers within the Gurdwara complex. While Kalka noted that the police did not enter the Darbar Sahib (the main prayer hall), he maintained that seeing officers in uniform traversing the grounds was unacceptable to the community.
- Police Presence: Kalka stated that the movement of uniformed personnel through the premises felt like a public thoroughfare, which is intolerable in a sacred space.
- CCTV Review: The DSGMC is currently analyzing CCTV footage to determine exactly how the protesters managed to breach the premises to stage their demonstration.
- Social Media Warning: The President urged social media users to refrain from politicizing videos of the incident, claiming the focus has been unfairly shifted toward the police presence rather than the initial breach of security.
Accusing AAP MLAs of attempting to link the incident to broader Punjab politics, Kalka warned that such actions would face spiritual consequences. "I want to warn them: this is a Gurudwara, not an arena for your politics. If you play such games here, Guru Sahib will never forgive you," he declared.
As tensions remain high, the DSGMC has promised to deal with the matter strictly once the investigation into the security breach is complete.