Scared of concerts too? Abhijeet Dipke's dig at Delhi Police over Diljit show denial

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and the AAP criticised Delhi Police for denying permission for Diljit Dosanjh's concert. The police cited threat inputs and security commitments behind its decision.

In Short

• Abhijeet Dipke criticised Delhi Police for denying Diljit Dosanjh's concert permission
• Delhi Police cited security concerns and threat inputs for refusal
• AAP accused Delhi Police of bias against progressive Punjabi voices

Abhijeet Dipke on Friday took a dig at Delhi Police for denying permission for Diljit Dosanjh's concert at JLN Stadium on October 30. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder shared a post on X about the decision, writing, “Scared of concerts too?” His post came amid the government’s crackdown on protests being led by him and other CJP members.

Dosanjh had earlier announced the India leg of his ongoing AURA tour, with Delhi set to host the first concert, followed by Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Indore, among other cities. On Thursday, Delhi Police denied permission for the October 30 concert, citing security concerns.

According to reports, a letter addressed to ticketing platform BookMyShow by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South District, stated that the request to organise the Delhi leg of Diljit’s AURA India Tour had been examined but could not be approved.

The letter reportedly referred to “specific threat-related inputs” and the police’s security and law-and-order commitments during the ongoing festive season, among other concerns.

AAP questions the move

In a separate jibe at the BJP-led Delhi government, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also reacted to Delhi Police’s decision to deny permission for Dosanjh’s concert. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the move, alleging that it could reflect a bias against progressive voices from Punjab.

“Why is Central Govt’s Delhi Police denying permission for concert of Diljit Dosanjh ? Is it a deep rooted bias against progressive voices of Punjab ? Indian Youth loves @diljitdosanjh and he is much loved in Punjab," he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, pre-sales for Dosanjh’s India tour began on October 6, with several venues already sold out. It remains unclear whether the organisers will seek a new date for the Delhi concert or work out a refund process for ticket holders.

Following the Delhi concert, Dosanjh is scheduled to perform in Indore on November 15, Ahmedabad on November 21, Mumbai on November 27, Bengaluru on November 29 and Lucknow on December 5. A concert in Chandigarh has also been announced, but its date and other details are yet to be confirmed.

- Ends