The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) claimed that a complaint sponsored by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led to the denial of entry into Canada for party leader Parambans Singh Romana. SAD spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler revealed that a false case was registered against Romana during the recent municipal elections in Faridkot. Romana, who had obtained anticipatory bail, had traveled abroad with court permission.
Kler alleged that the AAP government acted out of concern upon learning about an upcoming SAD delegation’s visit to Canada to engage with the NRI community. He accused the government of fabricating charges to obstruct Romana’s entry. The SAD leader criticized the AAP for disrespecting the NRI community and violating the principles of hospitality ingrained in Punjabiyat.
According to Kler, the SAD delegation’s objective in Canada is to engage with the community and address the grievances of NRIs. He highlighted the SAD’s history of providing solutions to NRIs, contrasting it with the AAP’s lack of action in this regard. Kler mentioned that the AAP government’s unease was evident following the successful tour of a previous SAD delegation to Australia and New Zealand.
Kler also condemned what he described as a smear campaign against Romana, citing a local electronic channel’s attempt to discredit the leader by falsely claiming he was intoxicated. He issued a warning, stating that if the channel did not retract the allegation and apologize within a day, legal action would be pursued for defamation.
