Opposition Leaders Condemn Bhagwant Mann's Remark on Dera Beas Head
Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, has launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over a controversial remark posted on his personal X account. Bajwa demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership clarify whether the comment reflects the official party stance or is merely Mann's personal opinion.
Bajwa Questions AAP Leadership and Calls for Clarity
In a post on X, Bajwa expressed deep pain over the Chief Minister's comment, stating that it has hurt the religious sentiments of lakhs of followers and devotees associated with saints and spiritual institutions, including those of Dera Beas in India and abroad. He emphasized that such remarks are alien to Punjab's rich cultural and spiritual ethos, where saints, seers, and spiritual leaders have always been revered.
Bajwa directly questioned AAP leaders, including party supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, Punjab president Aman Arora, Minister Harjot Singh Bains, MP Malvinder Singh Kang, and Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Dhaliwal, to state clearly before the people of Punjab whether the Chief Minister's remark represents the party's official line.
Urgent Appeal to Akal Takht Jathedar
Bajwa urged Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, to present before the sangat the veracity of a video clip allegedly showing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann committing blasphemy and dishonouring the Sikh Gurus. He stressed that clarity on the authenticity of the clip is essential to uphold the sanctity of Sikh institutions and ensure transparent truth-sharing with the Sikh community.
Bajwa highlighted that no Chief Minister in Punjab's history has ever made such remarks about saints or spiritual figures, reminding that Gurbani accords the highest respect to saints, sadhs, and brahmagyani, describing them as deeply united with the Divine.
BJP Joins the Fray with Strong Allegations
In a related development, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh issued a statement leveling serious allegations against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal for hurting Sikh and Punjabi sentiments. Chugh accused the "power-intoxicated Kejriwal-Mann leadership" of repeatedly insulting religious traditions, saints, and spiritual institutions, which he termed a direct attack on Punjab's social harmony and religious heritage.
Chugh praised Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon and Radha Soami Dera Beas for their decades of selfless service to humanity, contrasting it with the alleged disrespect shown by AAP leaders.
Appreciation for Resignation and Broader Implications
Bajwa also appreciated Banga MLA Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi for resigning from his cabinet-rank chairmanship, noting that his decision reflected respect for the religious sentiments of the sangat associated with Baba Nabha Kamal Raja Sahib. This move underscores the growing political and religious tensions in Punjab over the issue.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with opposition parties leveraging it to challenge AAP's governance and commitment to Punjab's spiritual values. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on AAP's response and potential actions from religious authorities to address the allegations.
