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AAP alleges that the BJP inserted false subtitles and a ‘fabricated transcript’ over the video to suggest a religious insult
A forensic report released by the Jalandhar Police on January 9 reportedly confirmed that the audio in the viral clip from the Delhi assembly does not contain the remarks attributed to Atishi. File pic/PTI
The political climate in the national capital reached a boiling point on Saturday, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of committing an act of “sacrilege” or beadabi against Sikh Gurus. The controversy centres on a video clip of Delhi assembly proceedings involving Leader of the Opposition Atishi, which AAP claims was maliciously doctored by BJP leaders to incite religious tension and defame the party.
The row originated from a debate earlier this week during the winter session. BJP Law Minister Kapil Mishra and several party colleagues circulated a clip on social media, alleging that Atishi had made “indecent” and “insensitive” remarks regarding the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, during a discussion marking his 350th martyrdom anniversary. The BJP has since demanded Atishi’s immediate disqualification from the House and the registration of a criminal case, with senior leaders asserting that “Hindustan will not tolerate insults to the Gurus”.
However, AAP has countered with a forceful defence, presenting what it claims is the original footage of the session. Senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj stated that Atishi did not even utter the word “Guru” or “Guruon” in the segment cited by the BJP. According to AAP, Atishi was actually questioning the BJP’s reluctance to discuss air pollution and the management of stray dogs in the city. The party alleges that the BJP inserted false subtitles and a “fabricated transcript” over the video to suggest a religious insult.
The battle has now transitioned from the legislative floor to the legal arena. A forensic report released by the Jalandhar Police on January 9 reportedly confirmed that the audio in the viral clip does not contain the remarks attributed to Atishi. Following this, an FIR was registered in AAP-ruled Punjab against Kapil Mishra and others for circulating manipulated content. In a countermove on Saturday, Delhi assembly speaker Vijender Gupta issued notices to three top Punjab Police officers for a “breach of privilege”, arguing that the assembly’s video recordings are the property of the House and cannot be used for police investigations without authorisation.
While the BJP continues to stage protests outside the AAP headquarters, demanding an apology for what it terms “shameful conduct”, the Aam Aadmi Party has framed the incident as a “calculated conspiracy” to divert public attention from issues like pollution and contaminated water. Atishi herself took to social media to state that she would “rather die than insult the Guru Sahib”, noting her family’s deep-rooted respect for Sikh traditions. As the assembly’s Committee of Privileges begins its own 15-day probe, the saga has left the Delhi administration in a state of paralysis, with the actual legislative agenda eclipsed by a bitter war over digital authenticity and religious identity.
January 10, 2026, 21:31 IST
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