Political Controversy Erupts Over Slogan Targeting Sikh Officer in Himachal Pradesh

Political Backlash in Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib: A recent protest organized by the BJP in Paonta Sahib has ignited significant controversy, particularly among the Sikh community, leading to a defensive stance from the Himachal Pradesh branch of the party.

The chant “Cheema-Keema nahi challenge,” which many interpreted as derogatory towards local SDM Gunjit Singh Cheema, has escalated into a major issue, prompting senior BJP officials to clarify their positions publicly. This protest, which took place on June 13, was in response to police actions and FIRs against BJP leaders, including state president Rajeev Bindal and MLA Sukh Ram Chaudhary, during which party members directed slogans at SDM Cheema.

Confrontation Between Cheema and Bindal

The SDM, who is a Sikh, was seen brandishing a baton during a stone-pelting incident earlier that day, which reportedly led to a heated exchange with Bindal. Although the slogan was likely directed at Cheema in his official role, the Sikh community perceived it as an affront to their identity.

In response, Sikh leaders convened at the local gurdwara to voice their anger, emphasizing that “Cheema” represents more than just a surname; it embodies community pride. They have called for legal repercussions against those responsible for the slogan, warning that any failure to address the matter would be unacceptable.

BJP Leaders Respond on Social Media

In an effort to mitigate the fallout, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and BJP state president Rajeev Bindal took to social media to clarify their positions. Bindal expressed regret, stating, “If my words or conduct have hurt any Sikh brother, I sincerely regret it.” Thakur, who was also present at the protest, asserted that he did not make any comments against any specific community and reaffirmed his respect for Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Sikh faith.

“I hold the Sikh community in the highest regard and would never intend to offend anyone. My statements have been misinterpreted,” he added.

Escalating Tensions Following Elopement Incident

The controversy has its roots in an incident in the Majra area of Paonta Sahib, where a minor Hindu girl reportedly eloped with a young man from a different community. Following an FIR lodged by her family, tensions rose, leading to a BJP-led protest where stones were allegedly thrown at the boy’s residence, resulting in injuries to an ASI and others.

During the unrest, a video emerged showing SDM Cheema with a stick, which led to Bindal publicly chastising him. In a surprising turn of events, police filed an attempt to murder case that same night against Bindal, Chaudhary, and others involved in the violence. The girl was later found and testified in court that she had left voluntarily and was not abducted.

In response to the FIR, the BJP organized a demonstration the following day at Ramlila Ground in Paonta Sahib. It was during this rally that the contentious slogan targeting Cheema was chanted, a move that has since caused significant distress for the party. The Sikh community is now demanding formal apologies from both the leaders and the individuals who participated in chanting the slogan.