The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) filed a police complaint against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders on October 10, accusing them of political activity at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The complaint also alleges that AAP circulated misleading videos related to the incident, while Delhi Police denied claims that officers entered the gurdwara's sanctum wearing shoes, according to livemint.com.
The controversy began when protesters, prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar for anti-CEC demonstrations, took shelter at Bangla Sahib. Police detained protesters outside the gurdwara premises. The DSGMC accused AAP workers of entering the gurdwara and raising political slogans. Delhi Police clarified that officers seen in videos were walking through a common passage used by devotees to reach the shoe-removal area and denied any violation of religious protocols, per livemint.com.
This incident highlights tensions between political parties and religious institutions amid protests targeting the Chief Election Commissioner. The DSGMC's complaint underscores concerns over politicisation of sacred spaces. Delhi Police's response aims to address allegations of disrespect towards religious customs. The episode adds to the ongoing discourse on protest management and religious sensitivities in the capital, as reported by livemint.com.
The police complaint filed by the DSGMC names AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, and requests identification of those involved in the alleged political activity at Bangla Sahib. Delhi Police continue to manage the situation around the protests, with no further reports of violations inside the gurdwara as of October 10, according to livemint.com.