AAP protests over Sirsa's 'Rohingya' remark minister denies targeting 'Purvanchalis'

New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, leaders and supporters held a protest outside the office of Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa in west Delhi’s Rajouri Garden on Monday, alleging he made a “derogatory” remark aimed at slum dwellers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and demanding his dismissal from the Cabinet.
     Reacting to the protest, Sirsa denied AAP's allegation and told PTI that he has been opposing illegal encroachments by Rohingyas and Bangladeshis that pose a threat to Delhi's security.
     “Let them protest as much as they want, I have no problem with that. But I have never made the statement they’re accusing me of, and I certainly never used the word ‘Purvanchali’.
     "My concern has always been about illegal encroachments by Rohingyas, Bangladeshis and others, that pose a serious risk to the future of Delhi and our next generation,” the minister said.
     He further said, “Delhi must be governed by law and order. I urge Arvind Kejriwal to now spare Delhi as the people have clearly rejected his leadership in the capital.”
     The protest came a day after Sirsa said, “I want to tell Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi and AAP that you can protest as much as you want for Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, but we will not allow them to stay in this nation… We will not get involved in any such politics that compromise the lives of people in Delhi.”
     He further alleged that “they commit crimes everywhere” and “their establishments will be demolished”.
     Reacting sharply, AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha told PTI, “The BJP is demolishing slums for days now, and Minister Sirsa crossed a line by calling the residents Rohingyas. Many of these people are from UP and Bihar. The people of Purvanchal are hurt. We demand that Sirsa apologise immediately or the chief minister must remove him from his post.”
     Joining the protest, AAP leader Vinay Mishra said, “This is the same person who stayed in slums before the 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 Bihar elections.”
     Sharing videos of the protest on X, AAP wrote, “The BJP has been calling brothers and sisters of Purvanchal Bangladeshi Rohingyas. Now, Minister Sirsa once again made a hateful statement against Purvanchalis. Today, AAP leaders, workers and the Purvanchal community surrounded his residence in protest.”
     While AAP has demanded Sirsa’s resignation and an apology, the minister has stood by his remarks on illegal settlers, reiterating that “law and order must prevail in Delhi.”

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)