Jhota’s Father Refuses to Meet Rahul Gandhi at Punjab Protest

Bhim Singh, the father of anti-drugs activist Parvinder Jhota, has refused to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and appealed to members of the Nehru-Gandhi family to stay away from the ongoing Jhota Insaf Morcha protest in Mansa, Punjab.

Explaining his position, Bhim Singh linked his decision to his Sikh faith and allegiance to the Panth. He said he had no personal differences with Rahul Gandhi but would not make an exception for members of the family because of his religious beliefs and the respect he believes he has received from the Sikh Panth.

His remarks come as political leaders visit the protest site, where Jhota’s family and supporters are demanding justice following his murder inside a medical store in Mansa.

Parvinder Jhota’s Father Appeals to Rahul Gandhi to Stay Away

Addressing the protest, Bhim Singh clarified that he did not have personal good or bad relations with Rahul Gandhi. However, he made a direct appeal to the Congress leader not to visit the dharna or approach his family.

With folded hands, he requested that no member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, including Rahul Gandhi, come to the protest site. He also asked members of the family of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh to stay away.

Bhim Singh said several political leaders, including those from the Congress and BJP, had already visited the protest without facing objections from the family. He maintained that the family was willing to meet political representatives, except those belonging to the two families he had identified.

The two families he referred to were the Nehru-Gandhi family, represented by Rahul Gandhi, and the family of Beant Singh, in connection with BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu. Bhim Singh had previously asked Bittu not to visit the protest site.

Why Does Jhota’s Father Not Want to Meet the Gandhi Family?

Explaining his refusal, Bhim Singh referred to his Sikh identity, religious commitments and the respect he believes he has received from the Panth.

He invoked Guru Nanak Dev, Guru Gobind Singh, Akali Baba Phula Singh, Baba Deep Singh and his connection with Sri Akal Takht Sahib while explaining why he would not meet members of the families he had objected to.

According to Bhim Singh, his standing and respect come from the Panth and his faith. He said allowing the people he had named to approach the protest could put that standing at risk.

He also expressed concern that meeting them could lead to his expulsion from the Panth or a declaration that he was tankhaiya, a person found guilty of religious misconduct and liable to religious punishment.

Bhim Singh said he could not take any step that he believed would amount to disrespecting his faith. His appeal was therefore presented as a matter of religious conviction rather than a personal dispute with Rahul Gandhi.

What Is the Jhota Insaf Morcha Protest About?

The Jhota Insaf Morcha is being held in Mansa following the murder of Parvinder Jhota, an activist known for raising his voice against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops.

His family and supporters have been demanding justice after he was shot inside a medical store. The protest has also attracted political attention, with leaders from different parties visiting the site.

Who Was Parvinder Jhota?

Parvinder Jhota was known for speaking out against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive medicines at medical stores in Punjab.

On October 13, he was shot inside a medical store in a busy marketplace in Mansa. According to the supplied report, the store owner, Ashwani Kumar, opened fire after Jhota questioned him over the alleged sale of addictive drugs to an elderly man.

Jhota was hosting a Facebook Live when the incident took place, making the shooting a subject of wider public attention.

Ashwani Kumar was taken into custody from Salasar in Rajasthan following the incident.

Parvinder Jhota’s Murder Triggers Political Debate in Punjab

The killing triggered a political dispute in Punjab, with the ongoing protest drawing attention from leaders across party lines. The controversy has also brought the issue of drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of addictive substances into the political spotlight.

Punjab is scheduled to go to polls early next year, adding to the political significance of the visits to the protest site.

As the Jhota Insaf Morcha continues, Bhim Singh’s position has made clear that his family’s willingness to meet political leaders does not extend to everyone. He has maintained that his decision regarding Rahul Gandhi and the Beant Singh family is rooted in his religious beliefs and his commitment to the Panth.