In a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly convened to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the AAP government derailed the sanctity of the moment by engaging in political point-scoring instead of reflecting on Guru Sahib’s life and philosophy. Bharatiya Janta Party National Parliamentary Board member and former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, called this a clear violation of Gurmat and a disregard for Maryada.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Lalpura launched a strong critique of the Mann government. Punjab BJP state vice-president Fateh Jung Bajwa, Senior Leader Jagdeep Singh Cheema, chief spokesperson Colonel Jaibans Singh, state media head Vineet Joshi, and former DSP Balwinder Singh Sekhon were also present.
Lalpura said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji — “the protector of tilak and sacred thread” — sacrificed everything for the protection of humanity. Yet on this sacred occasion, instead of upholding the core message of the martyrdom—Guru Sahib’s teachings, defence of religious freedom, human rights, and fearless resistance to oppression—the AAP government chose to indulge in political attacks.
He said the Mann government converted the commemorative session into a “stage for political rhetoric,” undermining the solemnity and spiritual significance of the day. The purpose of the session was to honour a towering chapter of Sikh history with dignity, but political accusations overshadowed the sanctity of the occasion.
Lalpura said the essence of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom is respect, tolerance, and standing for truth—yet the AAP government’s conduct was entirely disconnected from Guru Sahib’s philosophy.
➖ Aman Arora is ‘ignorant’ and made baseless statements: Lalpura
Lalpura sharply criticised Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, calling him “ignorant.” He said Arora’s comments regarding the Prime Minister’s absence had “no factual basis” and suggested that Arora “may not even know five pauris of Japji Sahib by heart.”
He said Arora’s statements, made on such a solemn day, exposed his complete lack of understanding of Gurbani, Gurdwara tradition, and Sikh history. According to Lalpura, Arora has little knowledge of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s life, martyrdom, or philosophy, making his remarks both uninformed and disrespectful.
➖ “Prime Minister Modi has consistently honoured Sikh tradition.”
Lalpura said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always taken concrete steps to honour the Sikh faith and preserve the Guru tradition.
He recalled that PM Modi has previously attended martyrdom-day events at Delhi’s
Sis-Ganj Sahib visited Patna Sahib with deep reverence and repeatedly acknowledged the unparalleled sacrifices of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.
Lalpura added that instead of making misleading comments about the Prime Minister, the Mann government should understand that the martyrdom took place in Delhi. At the same time, the sacred head was brought to Anandpur Sahib days later.
He said events at both places would have been appropriate, but due to a lack of historical understanding, the AAP government failed to recognise this.
➖ “AAP government ignored Guru Sahib’s message and focused solely on politics.”
Lalpura said that during the special commemorative session, the AAP government mostly focused entirely to political matters. There was not a single meaningful discussion on Guru Sahib’s Bani, his teachings, or his universal message to humanity.
He said such behaviour is unacceptable to the Sikh community and does not uphold the dignity associated with Gurdwara tradition or Sikh historical remembrance.