AAP Protests at BJP HQ Over Sikh Sentiment Row

Party demands apology from Kapil Mishra, MLAs detained amid standoff

January 11, 2026: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a large protest outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, accusing BJP leader and Delhi minister Kapil Mishra of making derogatory remarks against Sikh gurus. Led by senior AAP MLAs and leaders, the demonstration escalated into a tense confrontation with police, resulting in the detention of several party legislators. AAP said the protest was sparked by Mishra’s alleged comments, which it claimed had deeply hurt Sikh religious sentiments.

AAP demanded an immediate public apology from Mishra and strict action against him, alleging that the BJP routinely shields leaders accused of making divisive statements. Party leaders said the issue went beyond politics and concerned respect for Sikh traditions and constitutional values. The controversy intensified after an allegedly doctored video of former Delhi Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition Atishi surfaced online, triggering a political storm in Punjab. The Jalandhar police registered an FIR against unknown persons for circulating the clip, which AAP said was shared deliberately to defame Atishi and provoke religious sentiments.

AAP claimed a forensic probe by Punjab Police confirmed the video was doctored and that Atishi had been given a clean chit, prompting the party to demand arrests of opposition leaders accused of amplifying the clip. Protests were launched across Punjab outside the residences of senior leaders from the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress. However, the BJP and SAD rejected AAP’s allegations and held counter-protests, accusing Atishi of hurting Sikh sentiments in a Delhi Assembly speech and alleging selective action by the AAP government.