‘Forensic report establishes the truth’: Congress, SAD, BJP sharpen attack on Atishi

Chandigarh: Top leaders from the Punjab Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the BJP sharpened their attacks following the Delhi Vidhan Sabha speaker's confirmation that alleged remarks made by AAP leader and former Delhi chief minister Atishi — considered derogatory towards Sikh Gurus — were authenticated by a forensic report.Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa termed Atishi's remarks "extremely objectionable and deeply derogatory," saying the incident had hurt Sikh sentiments worldwide and lowered the dignity of a constitutional office. He said the matter was now "beyond political contestation" and concerned constitutional propriety and religious respect.Bajwa pointed to the official bulletin issued by the Delhi Vidhan Sabha Speaker on January 6, 2026, stating that the Presiding Officer had received a forensic lab report that authenticated the remarks made on the floor of the House. "Once official legislative records and forensic evidence confirm the facts, denial or evasion is not possible," he said.Expressing anguish over Atishi's silence, Bajwa said the AAP leader neither clarified her stand nor apologised despite outrage across Punjab and the global Sikh diaspora. He demanded strict action, including registration of a criminal case for hurting religious sentiments, removal of Atishi as Leader of the Opposition, and accountability from the AAP leadership for "shielding the misconduct."He also sought immediate withdrawal of the FIR registered by Punjab Police in Jalandhar against Congress leaders Pargat Singh and Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who had shared material that now stood officially authenticated. He called the FIR "false, vindictive and politically motivated," warning that using state machinery to intimidate opponents while protecting those who insult religious sentiments posed a serious threat to democratic norms.Taking a stronger line, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote to Delhi Vidhan Sabha speaker Vijender Gupta, urging him to disqualify Atishi as a legislator for making "blasphemous" remarks against the Guru. Calling himself anguished both as SAD chief and "a devout Sikh," Badal said Atishi's conduct amounted to a grave breach of privilege and contempt of the House."A member who insults Guru Sahiban and hurts Sikh sentiments forfeits not only moral legitimacy but also the constitutional right to remain a lawmaker," he said. Badal demanded registration of an FIR under IPC Sections 295A and 153A for hurting religious sentiments and promoting disharmony, warning that such provocations endangered communal harmony across Punjab. He added that Panthic institutions, including Akal Takht Sahib, had expressed serious concern.Meanwhile, BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar said the Delhi Vidhan Sabha's findings proved the video of Atishi's remarks was never tampered with. He alleged that the Punjab government manipulated its own investigation to protect the AAP leader. "With the Delhi Speaker stating clearly that the video was not tampered with, the Punjab Police's claim collapses," he said in a social media post.Jakhar accused the AAP government of using the police to shield its leaders and suppress opponents, adding that the matter warranted further inquiry by the CBI. He said Atishi's conduct in the House reflected "a mindset that plays with Sikh sentiments."