TNR News Network
Paonta Sahib: A slogan allegedly raised during a BJP protest in Paonta Sahib has stirred a political storm and drawn backlash from the Sikh community, placing the Himachal Pradesh unit of the saffron party on the defensive.
The slogan “Cheema-Keema nahi challenge”, perceived as a slur against local SDM Gunjit Singh Cheema, has snowballed into a full-blown controversy, forcing top BJP leaders to issue public clarifications.
The protest, held on June 13 against police action and FIRs registered against BJP leaders, including state unit president Rajeev Bindal and MLA Sukh Ram Chaudhary, saw party workers raising slogans targeting SDM Cheema.
Cheema-Bindal duel after SDM wields stick
The SDM, a Sikh officer, was seen holding a baton during the stone-pelting incident earlier that day, which reportedly triggered a verbal confrontation with Bindal.
While the slogan may have been aimed at the officer in his official capacity, the Sikh community saw it as an attack on their collective identity.
Sikh representatives gathered at the Paonta Sahib gurdwara to express outrage, asserting that “Cheema” was not merely a surname but a symbol of pride for the community. The community has demanded legal action against those who raised the slogan, warning that failure to address the insult would not be tolerated.
Jai Ram, Bindal issue clarification on social media
In damage control mode, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and BJP state president Rajeev Bindal took to social media with clarifications. Bindal posted an apology, stating, “If my words or conduct have hurt any Sikh brother, I sincerely regret it.” Thakur, who also attended the protest, said he made no comment against any particular community and reiterated his deep respect for Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Sikh faith.
“I have the utmost reverence for the Sikh community and would never intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments. My words are being misinterpreted,” he wrote.
Controversy after Hindu minor girl elopes with Muslim youth
The controversy stems from an incident in the Majra area of Paonta Sahib where a minor Hindu girl allegedly eloped with a youth from another community.
Following an FIR filed by her family, tensions escalated, culminating in a BJP-led protest. During the protest, protesters allegedly pelted stones at the boy’s house, leaving an ASI and several others injured.
Amid the chaos, a video surfaced showing SDM Cheema wielding a stick, prompting Bindal to publicly reprimand him.
In a dramatic twist, police registered an attempt to murder case the same night against Bindal, Chaudhary and several others for their role in the violence. The girl was later recovered and testified in court that she had left home of her own will and had not been abducted.
The BJP, fuming over the FIR, staged a demonstration the next day at the Ramlila Ground in Paonta Sahib. It was during this rally that the controversial slogan targeting Cheema was raised — an act now haunting the party. The Sikh community is demanding a formal apology not just from the leaders but also from the individuals who chanted the slogan.
