Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu on Monday hit back at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Virsa Singh Valtoha, saying he would not stoop to his level by using abusive or objectionable language but would respond to every question and allegation with facts.
Reacting to Valtoha's remarks against him, Pannu said his parents and teachers had taught him to maintain dignity in his language, regardless of whom he was responding to.
“Everyone knows that the Akali government registered a false case against me in 2015. I fought that case in court for nearly four-and-a-half years and was acquitted. If Virsa Singh Valtoha does not correct his language, I will tell you, word by word, who was behind that case and what that person did at the time,” Pannu said.
He added that he had personally gone through the entire episode and had all the details at his fingertips.
Pannu questions Valtoha over Bahrain woman
Pannu also criticised Valtoha for allegedly attacking the character of a Bahrain-based woman instead of responding to questions surrounding the allegations involving her.
He questioned why the woman was brought to Punjab and allegedly kept for months at an SGPC hostel if Valtoha was aware of the allegations against her.
“If Virsa Singh Valtoha knew all these things about her, then why was she brought to Punjab and why was she kept in an SGPC hostel for months? Why was she allegedly provided an SGPC vehicle and two sevadars, and why was money transferred to her account?” Pannu asked.
He said these were serious questions that required clear answers.
Challenges AI claim over audio
Pannu also questioned Valtoha's claim that an audio recording released in connection with the controversy was created using artificial intelligence.
“If you believe it was created using AI, take legal action and let a forensic investigation establish the truth,” he said.
Pannu added that Valtoha should not later claim that the Bahrain woman, FIR, sarai room, vehicle, sevadars and SGPC records were also fabricated using AI.
He further claimed that Valtoha's own statements made it clear that he had been in contact with the woman. According to Pannu, this raised questions about how and why she came into contact with Valtoha and others and for what purpose she was brought to Punjab.
‘I will not compromise on dignity’
Pannu said he had maintained restraint despite Valtoha allegedly making personal remarks against him.
“I have always maintained the dignity of my language because this is what I learnt from my parents, teachers and the teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib. I will listen to the other side and respond, but I will not leave that dignity,” he said.
Strongly objecting to Valtoha's repeated comments about women, Pannu said that merely facing a case did not give anyone the right to attack a woman's character.
He again questioned why the woman was allegedly brought to Punjab and kept at an SGPC sarai for an extended period if Valtoha already knew about the allegations concerning her.
Questions silence of Akali, SGPC leadership
Pannu also questioned the silence of senior Akali Dal and SGPC leadership over the controversy.
He said Sukhbir Singh Badal, whom he described as the Akali Dal's “chief patron”, should answer the questions himself instead of repeatedly speaking through others.
Pannu also demanded that SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami clarify the organisation's decisions and records concerning the woman.
Pannu hints at another press conference
Pannu said he had deliberately avoided responding to every personal remark made by Valtoha. However, he said he could hold another press conference if necessary and place all the facts before the public.
He said he would explain what happened at the time, who was involved and what action was taken.
Referring to Roop Kaur Sandhu, Pannu said Valtoha should answer the questions raised by the woman instead of remaining silent.
Pannu also hit out at Valtoha over his alleged repeated use of abusive language, saying that he should exercise greater control over his words.
