CJP Leader Abhijeet Dipke Apologises to Diljit Dosanjh After Singer’s Strong Message at Delhi Concert

NEW DELHI: A public disagreement between Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh and Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke appears to be moving towards reconciliation, with Dipke expressing regret over his earlier criticism of the entertainer and asking him to overlook the episode.

The development followed Diljit’s remarks during his Friday concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, where he addressed the controversy surrounding his response to questions about the NEET examination protests.

Although he did not mention Dipke or the CJP by name, the singer made it clear that he was unhappy with the manner in which his work and his position had been criticised.

Speaking to the packed audience, Diljit said that being an artist did not mean he lacked support for people or causes. He also objected to attempts to instruct Punjabis on how they should respond to challenges.

“Don’t teach Punjabis how to fight,” he told the gathering, adding that he continued to love and support his audience despite disagreements and criticism.

The singer was particularly upset over jokes made about his film Satluj, which portrays the life and struggle of Punjab human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

He reminded concertgoers that considerable effort had gone into bringing the film to the screen and that its subject was not something to be casually ridiculed.

His comments prompted Dipke to respond through Instagram, where he acknowledged that his earlier remarks had been driven by disappointment rather than personal hostility.

Addressing the singer as ‘Paaji’, Dipke said he had felt hurt when Diljit distanced himself from the student demonstrations in June.

He explained that his reaction stemmed from the high regard in which he had always held the performer and his expectation that someone with Diljit’s public influence would speak out on issues affecting students.

Dipke also made it clear that the disagreement had not diminished his admiration for the singer.

He recalled attending Diljit’s Chicago concert in May, shortly before returning to India, and said his respect extended beyond the music to the artist’s personality and achievements.

Praising Diljit’s ability to gain international recognition without abandoning his Punjabi identity, Dipke described him as someone who had taken Indian culture and music to audiences around the world.

He conceded that a difference of opinion should not be allowed to overshadow years of admiration. In a conciliatory appeal, he asked Diljit to treat him like a younger brother and forgive the disagreement.

He ended his message with a Punjabi lyrical line conveying that a true-hearted person can remain affectionate even towards those who oppose him.

How the disagreement began

The dispute can be traced to June, when Diljit was questioned during an Instagram Live interaction about whether he would participate in demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the NEET paper leak controversy.

The singer declined to associate himself with the demonstrations, saying that he was an entertainer rather than a politician and did not have sufficient knowledge of the issues to take a position.

He also quoted a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib, referring to the suffering present throughout the world and the solace found in devotion to the Almighty.

He subsequently wished well to both those organising the protests and those at the centre of the controversy, while reiterating that he did not know enough about the matter.

His response attracted criticism from sections of the public, particularly those who expected him to support the protesting students.

Dipke was among the critics and questioned what he saw as a contradiction between Diljit’s response and his participation in socially and politically significant cinema.

The comparison also brought back memories of the singer’s public support for farmers during the 2020 agitation against the now-repealed agricultural laws.

His position during that movement had earned him considerable appreciation among sections of the farming community.

Why Satluj became part of the controversy

The film Satluj, centred on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, became another point of contention.

Khalra was known for documenting alleged illegal killings and secret cremations in Punjab during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The film reportedly faced a prolonged release process, with certification-related difficulties delaying its arrival for nearly three years.

It was briefly made available on ZEE5 before being withdrawn within two days. The reported explanation for its removal involved concerns relating to national security and the possibility of hostile elements exploiting its content.

Diljit’s defence of the film at the Delhi concert suggests that the criticism surrounding it had affected him personally.

His remarks also brought attention back to the difficult journey behind a cinematic project dealing with a sensitive chapter of Punjab’s history.

Dipke’s apology has now opened the possibility of putting the disagreement behind them.

Whether Diljit responds publicly remains to be seen, but the exchange has highlighted how a difference over political expression can develop into a public confrontation even between people who otherwise share mutual admiration.