Chandigarh, February 8, 2026: Senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday strongly condemned the controversial and objectionable remark made by Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa against Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO.
Addressing a joint press interaction, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu termed Bajwa’s statement as anti-Dalit, warning that if an apology is not issued within 24 hours, the Aam Aadmi Party will initiate strict legal and political action.
Calling Bajwa’s statement “highly unfortunate,” Harpal Singh Cheema said that Harbhajan Singh ETO is an inspiring personality who rose from poverty through hard work, cleared the civil services examination, served as an E.T.O. in the Punjab Allied Services and later resigned to join public service through the Aam Aadmi Party. He said that insulting such a leader is an insult not just to an individual but to the entire Dalit community.
Cheema alleged that the Congress party has consistently displayed an anti-Dalit mindset, stating that Dalit ministers are frequently targeted through derogatory language. “Sometimes they are called ‘material’, sometimes ‘mobile repairers’ and now ‘band players’. Such language against Dalits is unacceptable,” he said.
Issuing a stern warning, Cheema said that either Pratap Singh Bajwa and the Congress party must apologize to the Dalit community within 24 hours or be ready to face consequences. He said such remarks discourage children from humble backgrounds who aspire to move forward through education and hard work.
Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that Bajwa’s remark was not an isolated incident and accused him of repeatedly targeting leaders who rise from worker and Dalit backgrounds. Recalling an earlier comment comparing leaders to “Arab horses and desi tattu,” Kataruchak said this reflects the Congress party’s failure to give due space to deserving Dalit leaders.
Referring to history, Kataruchak said that even Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was opposed by the Congress during elections, which shows a long-standing pattern of discrimination. He said mocking professions like band playing or manual labour reflects a feudal mindset that disrespects honest work.
Addressing Bajwa directly, Kataruchak said that Harbhajan Singh ETO’s father worked hard as a band player and ensured his son’s education and success. “Instead of respecting his achievements, you are mocking his background. This will not be tolerated by the people of Punjab,” he said.
AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said that Bajwa’s vulgar remark exposes the hatred some Congress leaders carry against the Dalit community. He questioned whether hardworking families do not have the right to rise through dedication and service.
Pannu said that Congress leaders are disturbed because people from ordinary homes are now occupying positions of power. “Calling someone a band player or mobile repairer reflects the filth in their thinking,” he said, warning that legal action will follow if such remarks continue.
He added that Harbhajan Singh ETO’s family background is a matter of pride and not shame, stating that rising from a hardworking family to become a Cabinet Minister is an inspiration for millions across Punjab.
