The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has slammed Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for her derogatory remarks against the Arora community, demanding a public apology. Senior AAP leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in MCD House, Ankush Narang, said the CM’s insulting comment during the Punjab campaign has triggered outrage across the Punjabi and Arora communities—who overwhelmingly backed BJP, but are now being humiliated by their own Chief Minister.
Addressing a press conference, Ankush Narang strongly condemned Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s remarks about the Arora community. “It is shameful how Rekha Gupta has spoken about the Arora community. The Chief Minister clearly has no understanding or knowledge of the Arora community. She must apologise to the Arora community for her insensitive statement,” Ankush Narang said.
Recalling the historical context of the community’s migration, Ankush Narang stated, “When India was undivided and Pakistan was created, regions like Punjab and Sindh were partitioned. Many people came and settled in Delhi at that time, and a large number of them belonged to the Arora community.”
Condemning the use of derogatory language, he said, “CM Rekha Gupta used unconstitutional and offensive words. In her statement, she said, ‘jhadu wale ka hai jo Arora, woh ban nahin sakta roda (obstruction)’. ‘Arora’ is not just a surname—it is my identity, and one that our ancestors carried with pride. To use the Arora surname in such a disrespectful and mocking way, and to cast aspersions on the entire community, is absolutely disgraceful. AAP strongly condemns CM Rekha Gupta’s remarks. She must clarify whether she believes it is appropriate for someone in her position to use such unconstitutional language.”
Highlighting the significance of the Punjabi community in Delhi’s politics, Ankush Narang added, “Punjabi community constitutes the largest segment of the population in Delhi. This community voted overwhelmingly for the BJP in the Assembly elections, and it is thanks to their support that BJP holds power in Delhi today. Yet, the same Chief Minister today insults the Punjabi community with her offensive remarks. The Aam Aadmi Party demands a public apology from Rekha Gupta to the entire Arora community.” Karol Bagh Zone MCD Chairman Puneet Rai and AAP leader Varun Raj Singh were also present during the press conference.
