Guru Tegh Bahadur Controversy: BJP and AAP Lock Horns as Poster War Erupts Over Atishi Remarks
The political controversy surrounding alleged derogatory remarks against Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur has escalated into a full-blown poster war between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi.
The row intensified on Tuesday after BJP leader and Delhi minister Kapil Mishra released a poster targeting AAP MLA and Leader of Opposition Atishi Marlena, accusing her of going missing from public view following the January 6 Delhi Assembly debate marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
BJP Targets Atishi Over “Missing” Poster
Addressing a press conference, Kapil Mishra displayed a poster featuring Atishi’s photograph with the word “Missing” written prominently, along with a question asking about her whereabouts. Mishra claimed that Atishi left the Assembly immediately after the debate and has since avoided the media and public questioning.
The BJP leader alleged that instead of addressing the controversy, the AAP leadership attempted to divert attention by registering an FIR against him in Punjab for sharing a video clip from the Assembly proceedings. Mishra accused the AAP of misusing state machinery to suppress discussion over Atishi’s alleged remarks.
BJP leaders have continued to demand that Atishi come forward publicly and clarify the allegations, making her absence a central point of their political attack.
AAP Hits Back With Counter Poster
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party released a counter poster targeting Kapil Mishra, demanding an apology from the Delhi minister. AAP accused Mishra of insulting Sikh Gurus and giving a communal colour to the issue.
The poster carried the slogan “Guruaan ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan” (India will not tolerate insult to Gurus). AAP alleged that the BJP deliberately circulated a forged and edited video clip of Atishi from the Assembly debate to mislead the public.
What Is the Guru Tegh Bahadur Controversy?
The controversy began after the BJP accused Atishi Marlena of using “insensitive words” against Guru Tegh Bahadur during a winter session debate in the Delhi Assembly. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva shared a video clip on social media platform X, claiming it showed Atishi making objectionable remarks.
Sachdeva challenged the AAP to file an FIR against him, stating that Kapil Mishra had merely shared the clip from official Assembly proceedings. Following this, an FIR was registered against Mishra in Punjab, further escalating political tensions.
AAP leaders, including MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj, staged protests outside the BJP headquarters, alleging that the video clip being circulated was doctored. Bharadwaj claimed that BJP leaders, not Atishi, were responsible for disrespecting Guru Tegh Bahadur and other Sikh Gurus.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Key Developments
The controversy has deepened political polarisation in Delhi, with both parties accusing each other of politicising religious sentiments. The issue has also drawn attention beyond the capital, especially after the FIR filed in Punjab added an inter-state dimension to the political confrontation.
Our Thoughts
The Guru Tegh Bahadur controversy reflects how sensitive religious issues can quickly escalate into aggressive political battles. While accountability and clarity are essential when historical and religious figures are involved, the ongoing poster war risks shifting focus away from facts toward political posturing. At a time when public discourse demands responsibility and restraint, transparency from all sides remains crucial. How the issue is resolved may significantly influence political narratives in Delhi in the coming weeks.