Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed regret over the alleged casteist remarks made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Laljit Singh Bhullar who is contesting from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency. Bhullar’s controversial remarks against former Congress MLA Harminder Singh Gill during an election rally in Tarn Taran district’s Patti had sparked widespread criticism. Bhullar had reportedly made derogatory remarks against two castes and the Congress leader.
Following the backlash, Bhullar released a video apologizing to the communities, but did not address Gill directly. Addressing a campaign rally organized for Bhullar at Patti in Tarn Taran district, Mann said, “Laljit Singh Bhullar made the wrong remarks in the sway of emotions. The AAP does not support such behavior. We are not into politics of caste and creed. We do not do politics of religion and hate. We do politics of education, hospitals, electricity. I called him on the same day and asked him to apologise unconditionally. He went to Harmandir Sahib to seek forgiveness. Being the head, I too apologise for Bhullar’s conduct.”
Mann went on to say, “I want to make it clear to Laljit that such behavior won’t be tolerated in future because it is our responsibility to bring society together. Harmandir Sahib has four doors that welcome everyone. I respect all communities.”
The Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had earlier criticized the minister’s ‘apology video’. The SAD even lodged a complaint with the Punjab chief electoral officer (CEO) against Bhullar, while the Ramgarhia and goldsmith communities expressed anger over his remarks.
