Punjab’s Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat today condemned the shameful attempt to give a political colour to the issue of a religious event in the city and said that no one should indulge in politics in the name of religion. Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House along with Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Advisor Deepak Bali, Mayor Vineet Dhir and other dignitaries, the Cabinet Minister said that Punjab is the land of great Gurus, saints and spiritual leaders and is an example of communal harmony.
He said that those trying to create divisions in the name of religion have nothing to do with the actual essence of religion. He said that linking any religion with a particular political party reflects a narrow mindset. Religious events should be celebrated collectively with devotion and mutual respect while honouring all religions, added Mr. Bhagat.
Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Advisor Deepak Bali said that the Bharatiya Janata Party was indulging in petty politics in the name of Sanatan Dharma. He said that the BJP was pursuing an anti-Punjab agenda to destabilize the state, which would not be allowed to succeed at any cost.
He clarified that the police had not gone to stop the religious programme, but to ensure completion of deficiencies in the documentation. He said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann would not allow the BJP’s attempts to divide Punjab in the name of religion to succeed.
He said that for the first time, Bhagwan Sri Parshuram Jayanti was celebrated during the tenure of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government. Besides this, a state-level Nav Samvat event was also organized for the first time in Pathankot.
In addition, the State Government is initiating development works worth around ₹25 crore at Shri Ram Tirath. Inviting people to participate in the religious event being held at the ground of Sain Dass School, Jalandhar, he said that it is an event related to the great traditions of the Sanatan Dharma and people should participate enthusiastically.
Sanatan Sewa Samiti National President Vijay Sharma highlighted the works being carried out by the committee in the service of Sanatan Dharma. He also condemned attempts to create division in the city in the name of religion.
On this occasion, Khadi Board Chairman Gagandeep Singh Ahluwalia, AAP leader Nitin Kohli, Dinesh Dhall, Councillor Jatin Gulati, Pala Jalalpuriya and office-bearers of the management committee of Kasht Nivaran Balaji Mandir, Shekha Bazaar were also present.