Chandigarh, 12.11.26: Under the leadership of BJP Chandigarh State President Shri Jitendra Pal Malhotra, a massive “Save Democracy, Reject Anarchy” march was organised in Manimajra to protest against what the party described as Congress’s negative politics, attempts to spread anarchy, and efforts to destabilise a democratically elected government. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Hardeep Singh Puri attended as the Chief Guest.
A public gathering held opposite Shivalik Garden was addressed by the Union Minister, the State President, and other senior BJP leaders. Following the meeting, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and Shri Jitendra Pal Malhotra jointly led the march, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from party office-bearers, elected representatives, workers, and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, BJP State President Shri Jitendra Pal Malhotra accused Congress and other opposition parties of misleading the public and undermining confidence in constitutional institutions rather than accepting the democratic mandate. He emphasised that while political dissent is an essential democratic right, attempts to create instability and disorder in its name cannot be justified.
Highlighting the developmental initiatives undertaken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Malhotra asserted that BJP workers would counter the opposition’s allegations through democratic engagement and public outreach. He described the march as a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to constitutional institutions, democratic values, national unity, and political stability.
The massive public gathering and march witnessed the participation of former BJP Chandigarh State Presidents and senior leaders Shri Arun Sood and Shri Sanjay Tandon; Chandigarh Mayor Shri Saurabh Joshi; Shri Bharat Kumar; Shri Davinder Babla; Smt. Indira Singh; BJP State General Secretary Shri Rambir Bhatti; Shri Sanjeev Rana; Deputy Mayor Smt. Suman Sharma; former Mayor Smt. Sarabjit Kaur; BJP Chandigarh Mahila Morcha State President Smt. Sonam Verma; senior leader Shri Shakti Devshali; District Presidents Shri Bhupinder Singh Saini and Shri Ravinder Malik; Shri Anoop Gupta; Smt. Rekha Sood; Shri Khushwinder Singh; and Shri Dilip Kumar, along with representatives of various party fronts and cells, party workers, and a large number of local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri spoke extensively on the global energy crisis, fuel prices, India’s economic resilience, the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre, and the opposition’s political approach.
Referring to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Puri observed that disruptions in international energy markets had placed considerable pressure on global petroleum prices. Citing fuel-price trends in the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, he highlighted measures taken by the Modi government to protect Indian consumers.
He referred to reductions in central excise duties in November 2021, May 2022, and March 10, 2026, stating that these measures had provided relief to ordinary citizens. He maintained that petrol and diesel prices in India had remained comparatively stable over the preceding four years, while domestic LPG prices were lower than those in several neighbouring countries.
Turning to the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre, Puri strongly criticised Congress and questioned its moral position on democracy and constitutional values. He recalled that thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed between November 1 and 3, 1984, with more than 2,700 deaths reported in Delhi alone.
Describing the violence as organised and premeditated rather than spontaneous communal riots, he alleged that Sikh families were specifically targeted using identifiable addresses and information.
Sharing his personal experience, Puri recalled that he was posted in Geneva at the time, while his parents were residing in Delhi. During those traumatic days, Hindu friends and neighbours protected and assisted his parents. He described their compassion as a powerful testimony to India’s enduring traditions of communal harmony and social solidarity.
Puri further stated that the Modi government had initiated efforts to deliver justice to victims of the 1984 violence through the constitution of a Special Investigation Team. He emphasised that the tragedy must never be forgotten and that such atrocities should never be repeated against any community.
He also questioned the opposition’s political approach, stressing the importance of respecting historical suffering, democratic institutions, and the electoral mandate.
Speaking about India’s economic performance, Puri stated that the country continued to demonstrate resilience despite global geopolitical and financial uncertainties. Referring to a growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the previous quarter and an improvement in India’s rating by Moody’s, he described these developments as indicators of international confidence in the Indian economy.
Questioning the opposition’s allegations of “vote theft,” Puri urged Congress to introspect on the outcomes of the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections rather than repeatedly challenging electoral outcomes.
He reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, emphasising that achieving this national aspiration would require the collective participation of all citizens, particularly the younger generation.
Former BJP Chandigarh State President Shri Arun Sood, addressing the gathering, accused Congress of attempting to create confusion among citizens by questioning democratic institutions and electoral processes following successive electoral defeats.
He emphasised that India’s democratic strength lies in its politically conscious citizens, who exercise their constitutional right to elect governments. Highlighting the country’s progress in development, governance, and self-reliance under Prime Minister Modi, he described the march as an important initiative to strengthen public awareness and democratic responsibility.
Concluding the programme, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed his gratitude to the citizens and party workers for their enthusiastic participation.
The BJP Chandigarh unit reiterated its commitment to safeguarding democratic values, respecting constitutional institutions, strengthening national unity, and advancing India’s developmental journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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