Senior advocate and BJP leader HS Phoolka on Sunday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of attempting to use Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi as a centre for protests, alleging that some party members raised slogans and displayed banners inside the gurudwara premises.
In a press statement, Phoolka said that protesters visiting Jantar Mantar had traditionally received food and shelter at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib for several decades. He alleged, however, that the recent incident was different, as some people allegedly entered the premises with banners, raised slogans and delivered a speech.
Phoolka claimed that the situation was brought under control by the gurdwara's sevadars and members of the sangat. He alleged that the incident amounted to an attempt to use the religious premises as a venue for political protest rather than for its traditional role of providing food and shelter to visitors.
Addressing allegations concerning the presence of Delhi Police personnel at the gurdwara, Phoolka referred to an account given by the president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).
According to his statement, around 13 to 14 police personnel passed through the premises at approximately 11 am on Saturday and exited through another gate within two to three minutes.
Phoolka claimed that the police movement took place before the alleged protest involving banners and speeches, which he said occurred after 1 pm. He further maintained that the police remained outside the gurdwara gate during the later incident.