Calcutta: Allegations of a religious slur have sparked a heated exchange between Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, and the BJP. The incident occurred during a visit to Sandeshkhali, where BJP leaders, accompanying Suvendu Adhikari, allegedly referred to a turban-clad IPS officer as a "Khalistani". Mamata Banerjee posted a video clip showing Jaspreet Singh, the officer in question, vehemently protesting the alleged comment. In response, the Trinamul Congress demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Representatives of the Sikh community, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Amritsar, condemned the incident, prompting the BJP to issue denials and profess respect for Sikhism. In the video clip shared by Mamata, Singh is seen objecting to the comments directed at him while the BJP’s Agnimitra Paul continues to confront him. Singh's outrage is palpable as he questions the motive behind the religious slur and asserts his right to practice his religion without discrimination.

The incident has triggered protests by the Sikh community in various parts of Bengal, prompting the police to issue a statement expressing solidarity with Singh. The statement labeled the comment as both malicious and racially inciting.

Suvendu Adhikari, in response, denied any attack on religion, stating his respect for Guru Nanak and the Sikh faith. Despite Adhikari's assertion, the incident has brought to the forefront the delicate nature of religious sensitivities in the political landscape of Bengal.