DW Bureau |  Chandigarh, April 3 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have strongly condemned Gurpatwant Pannun’s statement regarding breaking statues of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, calling it anti-Dalit, anti-Constitution, and anti-national. AAP leader Pawan Kumar Tinu along with AAP MLA Balkar Singh and AAP leaders Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Chandan Grewal, Atam Parkash Bablu, Dinesh Dhall, Charanjit Channi, Deepak Sharda, and Tarandeep Singh Sunny addressed a press conference on Thursday in Jalandhar. Tinu said that the vile statement made by fugitive Gurpatwant Pannun, who is sitting abroad, is not just against Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar but also against the Dalit community and the Constitution. He said that Dr. Ambedkar is not just an icon for Dalits but for the entire country. By drafting the Constitution of India, Dr. Ambedkar granted equal rights to all citizens. If India remains united today, it is because of the Constitution.

Tinu further stated that Pannun has no knowledge of Dr. Ambedkar’s immense contribution to the nation, nor does he understand Sikhism, which promotes the well-being of all (Sarbat da Bhala) and treats everyone equally. He reminded that Guru Gobind Singh Ji honored Dalits by calling them "Rangreta Guru Ka Beta". He added that Pannun frequently talks about breaking India while sitting abroad, but AAP challenges him to come to India and speak if he is truly brave. "Do not incite people here while hiding abroad," Tinu warned. He further stated that AAP will give a strong response to Pannun’s threats.

Tinu questioned why certain individuals repeatedly make public statements against Dalits, Dr. Ambedkar, and the Constitution in an attempt to disrupt social harmony. He demanded that the Indian government investigate and reveal which agency or political force is supporting such individuals. "We also appeal to the central government – if Pannun is not just a puppet of central agencies, then strict action should be taken against him immediately, and he should be brought back to India," Tinu said. He also mentioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s derogatory remarks about Dr. Ambedkar in Parliament, stating that such comments raise serious doubts. "The central government must clarify its stance and conduct a thorough investigation into this matter," he demanded.

Addressing the media, AAP MLA Balkar Singh stated that Pannun is attempting to disrupt Punjab’s peace and brotherhood. He said that Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions were not limited to Dalits; he granted constitutional rights, including voting rights and fundamental freedoms, to people of all religions and castes. "Pannu’s statement exposes his despicable mindset," he remarked. Balkar Singh also addressed Pannun’s threat to break statues of Babasaheb on April 14, declaring that AAP will ensure his plan fails. "AAP workers across Punjab will stand guard at Ambedkar’s statues and ensure no harm comes to them," he asserted.