BJP rallies behind Diljit Dosanjh amid trolls over 'Sardaar Ji 3', calls him national asset

Despite facing online trolling and accusations from self-styled ‘nationalists’, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday strongly backed actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, calling him a “national asset” and a “global ambassador of Indian culture.”

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In the past, BJP leaders—including MP Kangana Ranaut—and sections of the social media 'troll army' have labeled Dosanjh a Khalistani, a charge that has resurfaced with renewed intensity following the announcement of his upcoming film ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, which features Pakistani actress Hania Amir.

However, BJP national spokesperson R P Singh Khalsa firmly defended Dosanjh, dismissing the backlash as unjustified. He emphasised that the film in question was shot well before the Pahalgam killings in Kashmir, allegedly carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists—an incident that led to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeting terror sites in Pakistan.

“He is a national asset and a global ambassador of Indian culture. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) call to revoke his Indian citizenship over a film shot before the Pahalgam incident is not only unfair but shockingly disproportionate,” said R P Singh.

He added, “If there is anguish, it can be expressed through a boycott or by urging to not screen the film in India. But questioning Diljit’s patriotism and demanding such an extreme step is simply irrational. Let’s not cheapen nationalism or weaponise patriotism. FWICE should reconsider its stance—targeting our own talent only weakens our moral standing.”

Supporting this position, BJP Punjab Culture Cell convenor and actor Hobby Dhaliwal held a press conference in Dosanjh’s defence.

“At a time of national tension, attempts are being made to defame him with baseless allegations. This is unfortunate and condemnable,” Dhaliwal said.

He clarified that the film was produced during a period when cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan were still common, and that the shoot was entirely legal, involving multiple artists—not just Diljit.

Dhaliwal strongly criticised demands for revoking Dosanjh’s citizenship or banning his films, calling them unjustified, politically motivated, and baseless. “Diljit is the son of this soil. Punjab stands with him—and so does India,” he added.

He said while every citizen holds patriotic sentiments, using nationalism as a pretext to target a single artist is wrong.

Echoing this sentiment, BJP Punjab media cell chief Vineet Joshi also stated, “The Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly with Diljit Dosanjh.”