Punjab Minister Leads Band Protest Over Bajwa Jibe as LoP Seeks Security Inquiry

Overview

• Harbhajan Singh led AAP leaders and workers in a wedding-band demonstration outside the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh, demanding an apology from Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa.
• Bajwa had accused the minister of corruption last month and said, “He used to play in a band; we will take him to task,” a line AAP leaders called objectionable.
• Harbhajan Singh said his father was a band master and argued the remark insulted people who earn an honest livelihood, calling it demeaning to Dalit and marginalised communities.
• The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission summoned Bajwa for an explanation over the remark, and in his submission he denied any caste-related intent.
• After the protest ahead of the Assembly’s budget session, Bajwa alleged a breach of security at the Vidhan Sabha and said he has written to the governor seeking an inquiry.