Controversy Erupts Over NSUI President Isharpreet Singh Sidhu's Photo with Pakistani Army Officer

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): A recent photograph of Punjab's National Students Union of India (NSUI) President Isharpreet Singh Sidhu with a Pakistani Army officer has sparked a political controversy. The image has led to demands for action from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab, which has lodged a formal complaint with the state Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav. The BJP has called for an investigation into Sidhu’s alleged links with the Pakistani Army and its intelligence wing, the ISI.

The BJP’s reaction came with serious allegations, stating that the NSUI president’s associations needed to be scrutinized, especially in light of national security. They emphasized that if any connections to anti-national elements, such as the ISI, are found, strict action should follow.

Sidhu, however, denied the allegations, labeling them as part of a misleading campaign by BJP leaders. According to Sidhu, the photograph was taken at an event organized by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi, where military officers from India and other countries were present. He clarified that the gathering was attended by various officials, including military personnel, political representatives, and think tank members. Sidhu further added that the BJP deliberately misrepresented the photo by omitting context, noting that it was taken on September 24, 2024, at a diplomatic event and had nothing to do with Pakistan or its military.

The controversy has escalated further with BJP Youth Wing Secretary Kulbir Singh Aashu addressing the DGP, highlighting the concerns raised by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who claimed that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi had attended a Pakistani Embassy event, bringing 90 youths with him. The BJP has demanded a thorough investigation into the relationships between Sidhu, former Indian Youth Congress President B.V. Srinivas, and their potential ties to the Pakistani Embassy.

Aashu also stated that efforts to incite Indian youth through anti-national propaganda were growing and needed to be checked to ensure national security. He urged the authorities to take swift action if any unlawful connections were uncovered. Sidhu has urged people not to be misled by the BJP’s allegations, reiterating that his intentions were purely political and not linked to any anti-national activities. He emphasized that such campaigns would not succeed in dividing the unity of the nation.