Disparaging Statement by BJP Chief — Calling Colony Residents ‘Illiterate’ Exemplifies BJP’s Anti-People Mentality: Vijaypal Singh
Chandigarh — Vijaypal Singh, President of Aam Aadmi Party Chandigarh, strongly condemned the statement made by BJP Chandigarh President Jitendra Pal Malhotra in a press conference, in which he referred to residents of city colonies as “illiterate” and alleged that “they don’t know how to read and write and the Aam Aadmi Party is spreading misleading statements to misguide people.” Vijaypal Singh called this statement extremely shameful, insensitive, and a direct insult to the thousands of families who have built and sustained Chandigarh with their hard work, honesty, and struggle.
He said that colony residents include government officials, engineers, teachers, healthcare workers, defense personnel, business professionals, retired officers, and laborers, who form the backbone of the city. Calling such hardworking and knowledgeable citizens “illiterate” exposes the arrogant mindset of the BJP and its anti-labor, anti-poor character. Insulting those who built the city with their sweat highlights the BJP’s true face, which prioritizes votes over the dignity of people. Singh added that the public is now asking whether colony residents are merely a vote bank for the BJP, rather than human beings.
Vijaypal Singh further stated that Malhotra’s press conference, in which he accused the AAP of spreading misleading statements, was in fact an attempt to divert attention from the issue of ownership rights (Malikana Haq). The new committee being set up under the BJP-controlled administration is merely a strategy to buy time and keep the public misled. The committee’s purpose is not to grant ownership rights, but to explore ways to take homes back from people, directly threatening the safety and future of thousands of families. While colony residents continue to pay their monthly license fees, they are still not being granted ownership rights — this amounts to open exploitation of the public.
He said that BJP’s politics has always relied on fear and confusion. In 2017, Kiran Kher created a ruckus promising ownership rights with the distribution of sweets, in 2021 the same promise was included in the manifesto to win votes, and now in 2025 residents are being threatened that they will not get ownership rights and cannot transfer homes to their children. As elections approach, the same old script will play out again: “Give us your vote, we will return your homes.” The public, however, is now fully aware of this political game.
Singh emphasized that the truth is that Housing Board directors have the authority to regularize minor construction issues, layout deviations, and technical violations in Housing Board houses to ensure relief for residents. However, instead of using this authority, confusion and fear are being spread, and these directors operate directly under BJP control. If legislation is required from Parliament, the BJP has a full majority at the center and could get it passed immediately. Yet the intent is missing, as the BJP focuses on expanding benefits for the rich while displacing the poor. Earlier, slums were demolished and thousands of families made homeless; now colonies are being subjected to intimidation — notices, eviction threats, and fear of police. Meanwhile, VIP projects costing crores are being approved, Sector-2 roads are being constructed at massive expense, while ordinary residents are denied the fundamental right to security of their homes.
Vijaypal Singh said that this struggle is not just about ownership rights, but also about dignity and existence. The Aam Aadmi Party has raised the voice of the people from streets to assembly and will continue this fight. The BJP’s machinery of lies and fear-politics will be answered through the fight for the public’s rights and dignity.
Vikrant A. Tanwar
State Media In-Charge
Aam Aadmi Party, Chandigarh
