AAP protests outside Sirsa’s office over ‘derogatory remarks’ on slum dwellers

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday staged a strong protest outside the office of Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa in West Delhi’s Rajouri Garden, demanding his immediate removal from the Cabinet for allegedly making derogatory remarks against slum dwellers, particularly those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

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Led by AAP MLAs and senior leaders, the protest saw a large turnout of party workers and residents from Purvanchal communities. Demonstrators raised slogans against Minister Sirsa and the BJP, accusing them of insulting the dignity of migrant workers and slum residents in the city.

The protest erupted after Sirsa, during a press interaction on Sunday, remarked, “You (AAP) can protest as much as you want for Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, but we will not allow them to stay in this nation.” He further alleged, “They commit crimes everywhere, and their establishments will be demolished.”

The AAP claimed that the remarks were targeted at slum dwellers, many of whom are from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha said, “The BJP has been demolishing slums for days now, and Sirsa crossed a line by calling the residents Rohingyas. Many of these people are from UP and Bihar. The people of Purvanchal are deeply hurt. We demand that Sirsa apologise immediately or the Chief Minister must remove him from his post.”

Echoing similar sentiments, AAP leader Vinay Mishra said, “This is the same person who stayed in slums before elections. Now, he insults those very people. The BJP’s hatred for Purvanchalis is not new. His statement will have consequences not only in Delhi but also in the Bihar elections.”

Sharing videos and photos of the protest on its official social media handles, AAP said: “The BJP has been calling our Purvanchal brothers and sisters Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. Today, Minister Sirsa once again made a hateful statement. AAP leaders, workers and the Purvanchal community surrounded his residence in protest.”