Chandigarh (National Times): A heated exchange between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa led to uproar in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday, after Bajwa’s remark “12 tuhade vaje hone hai” triggered sharp protests from AAP MLAs who viewed it as an insult to Sikh sentiments.
The clash began when CM Bhagwant Mann accused Bajwa of diverting attention from critical state issues. “You should raise matters that are against Punjab and Punjabis,” Mann said sternly. When Bajwa continued to speak out of turn, the Chief Minister responded, “Please sit down, it’s just 12 PM. You may watch the clock.”
In a sharp retort, Bajwa quipped, “12 tuhade vaje hone hai,” a commonly used Punjabi phrase — but one that holds historical and religious sensitivity, as it has often been associated with derogatory references to Sikhs.
The remark caused immediate uproar in the House. AAP leaders Aman Arora and Harpal Singh Cheema condemned Bajwa’s words, terming them “an attack on Sikhism” and demanding an apology. “This is unacceptable. These words are loaded with historical disrespect towards the Sikh community. He must take them back,” said Cheema.
As the chaos escalated, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan struggled to maintain order. Senior Congress leader Rana Gurjit Singh eventually intervened and appealed for calm on both sides. “Let’s not let this become personal. We are here to debate serious issues concerning Punjab. I request both leaders to tone down the rhetoric,” he said.
While Partap Bajwa did not issue an immediate clarification, Congress sources later claimed the remark was made in jest and had no communal intent. However, AAP MLAs continued to demand a formal retraction.
The incident has added to the rising political tensions in the ongoing special Assembly session, which has already seen multiple confrontations between the ruling AAP and the opposition Congress.
With public sensitivities high and political temperatures rising, the focus now remains on whether the House will move beyond theatrics to address key legislative business, or remain caught in a cycle of personal attacks and symbolic disputes.
