The political temperature in Punjab has shot up after an FIR against BJP leader Kapil Mishra, prompting a blistering counterattack from the saffron camp. Mishra accused the AAP government of weaponizing police against ideological opponents, vowing relentless retaliation.
Details emerged late evening: Mohali police booked Mishra under serious IPC sections following AAP functionaries’ petitions over his speeches critiquing Punjab’s handling of separatist elements and religious conversions.
Taking the high ground, Mishra addressed supporters online: ‘From JNU to Punjab, leftists use FIRs as weapons because they fear truth. Bhagwant Mann, withdraw this or face people’s wrath!’ His post garnered massive traction.
BJP’s machinery swung into action. MPs and MLAs condemned the ‘fascist tactics,’ drawing parallels to Emergency-era oppression. Party chief JP Nadda reportedly flagged the issue at the highest levels.
On the ground, AAP defended its stance, with ministers claiming Mishra’s rhetoric endangered social harmony in a sensitive border state. ‘Hate has no place in Punjab; law will take its course,’ tweeted CM Mann.
Context matters: Punjab grapples with drug mafia, cross-border smuggling, and lingering radical fringes. Mishra’s narrative—that AAP mollycoddles extremists—resonates with certain demographics.
Jurists caution against hasty action, citing free speech protections under Article 19. Past similar cases against politicians often fizzled out due to lack of evidence.
Strategically, BJP leverages this for narrative control, positioning itself as bulwark against ‘appeasement politics.’ AAP risks alienating moderates if perceived as overzealous.
As protests brew in key cities, this FIR underscores Punjab’s volatile pre-poll landscape. Mishra’s defiance could yet transform victimhood into victory.