Never made derogatory comment: Atishi on Sikhguru remark allegations

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly Atishi on Monday said she had never made any derogatory remarks against Sikh gurus and sought the unedited video of the House proceedings.

Replying to a breach of privilege notice issued to her by the Assembly on January 15, Ms. Atishi said in a letter, “I state with utmost clarity and sincerity that I have never made any derogatory remark against Sikh gurus, either in the House on January 6, 2026, or at any other point in time in my life. I categorically deny the allegation.”

She also said that she comes from a family where reverence for Sikh gurus is not a matter of political posture but of lived values and deep personal faith.

“The Sikh gurus, particularly Guru Tegh Bahadurji, represent the highest ideals of sacrifice, courage, and protection of human dignity. I am morally incapable of uttering any words that could be construed as disrespectful towards them,” read the letter. The LoP added that she has not received any communication from Speaker Vijender Gupta on attending the House to clarify the allegations, as stated in the notice sent to her. She sought copies of the written communication that had been sent to her in this regard.

There was no response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The ruling BJP and AAP have been locking horns over purported comments by the LoP in the Assembly about Guru Tegh Bahadur and an alleged video of the incident posted by Law Minister Kapil Mishra on X, which the Punjab police have termed doctored.

‘Police inaction’

Meanwhile, Ms. Atishi wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking a meeting to discuss “deteriorating” law and order in the Capital. “Serious public complaints have emerged regarding police delay, inaction and lack of accountability. Despite Delhi Police being under the Union Home Ministry, control over crime does not appear to be established,” wrote the former Delhi Chief Minister.