New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah and Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh visited Anandpur Sahib on Friday to observe the 350th founding anniversary of the holy Sikh city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to give the 350th anniversary celebrations of Anandpur Sahib today a miss, despite a personal invitation from Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, has emerged as the latest flashpoint between allies BJP and SAD. Man Aman Singh Chhina explains the political significance of the event as both BJP and SAD look to consolidate their voter base ahead of the 2017 assembly elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was invited for the event, was unable to attend due to his meeting with visiting Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete. Home minister Rajnath Singh urged Punjab government to make all efforts to uproot drug menace in the state. “Shiromani akali dal is not pursuing a communal agenda. The government should make all efforts to uproot drug menace in Punjab.”
Punjab deputy CM Badal made a cry for justice to sikhs for atrocities done to them since independence, especially during the 1984 riots. Sikhs are secular and should not be projected as terrorists” sais Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma. Dhumma also asked Rajnath to fulfill his promise of including Sikh history in school curriculum.
Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar called upon Punjab governement to resolve issues between the two states. Yoga guru Ramdev also attended the event and said “Sikh gurus and Sikhs laid down their lives to save Hindus and Hinduism, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje also excused herself from the celebrations, citing health problems.
Anandpur Sahib, which is also called the ‘city of bliss’, was founded in 1665 by Guru Teg Bahadur and was the location where Guru Gobind Singh established the ‘Khalsa’ in 1699. Over one lakh devotees are expected to visit the city for the celebrations.
Bureau Report
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