The debate erupted after Diljit Dosanjh, while announcing his concert in Chandigarh, referred to Punjab as “Panjab.”
Punjab vs Panjab controversy took a new turn as Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, the designated Assistant Attorney General of the United States and a prominent supporter of Donald Trump, weighed in on the ongoing debate with a cryptic social media post.
Amid uproar surrounding singer Diljit Dosanjh’s use of the term “Panjab” instead of “Punjab” in a tweet, Dhillon chose to sidestep both terms. Instead, she wrote “PNJAB” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), leaving it open to interpretation.
The Controversy: Punjab or Panjab?
The debate erupted after Diljit Dosanjh, while announcing his concert in Chandigarh, referred to Punjab as “Panjab.” Many on social media linked the spelling to Pakistan’s side of the region, sparking claims of a conspiracy. Diljit responded firmly to the backlash, dismissing the overanalysis of his choice of words.
In a tweet written in Punjabi, Diljit clarified, “If the tricolour is missed once while mentioning Punjab in a tweet, it’s called a conspiracy. Even in a tweet about Bengaluru, it was missed once. If Punjab is written as Panjab, it’s called a conspiracy. Whether you write it as Panjab or Punjab...it will always remain ????? (sic).”
Other Voices in the Debate
The controversy drew further attention when popular singer Guru Randhawa shared a post on X that read “PUNJAB” accompanied by a tricolour emoji. While many believed it was a subtle dig at Diljit Dosanjh, Guru Randhawa refrained from clarifying his stance.
Harmeet Dhillon’s Entry
Dhillon’s cryptic “PNJAB” post added fuel to the already heated debate. Her deliberate omission of either conventional spelling (Punjab or Panjab) raises questions about her intentions—whether it was meant to neutralize the argument, highlight the sensitivity of the issue, or simply provoke curiosity.
The Bigger Picture
The Punjab vs Panjab row has sparked discussions about cultural and regional identity, with opinions divided over the significance of language and terminology. As social media continues to amplify the debate, prominent figures like Dhillon entering the conversation add new layers to an already contentious topic.
For now, the controversy remains a reflection of the deep emotional connection people have with Punjab—regardless of how it’s spelled.
