Punjab Chief Minister Makes Formal Request to Prime Minister
In a significant development ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Jalandhar, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made a formal request to name Adampur Airport after the revered spiritual figure Guru Ravidas. The chief minister shared this appeal through his official social media accounts on Sunday, expressing his hope that the Prime Minister would consider this request during his February 1 visit to the region.
Historical Context and Legislative Background
The demand to rename Adampur Airport after Guru Ravidas is not new. According to Adampur MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, during Captain Amarinder Singh's tenure as chief minister, the Punjab Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution supporting this very proposal. Kotli emphasized that this represents a collective demand from the people of Punjab that now deserves central government approval.
"Now, when the Prime Minister is coming here on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti, he should announce the naming of the airport after Guru Ravidas," stated Kotli, highlighting the symbolic timing of the request.
Timing Aligns with Religious Observance
The Prime Minister's visit to Jalandhar coincides with Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrations, adding religious and cultural significance to the naming request. During his visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan, further connecting his itinerary to the Guru Ravidas community and traditions.
Chief Minister Mann expressed that granting this request would be particularly meaningful given the occasion, stating he would be "deeply grateful on behalf of all Punjab residents" if the Prime Minister honored this appeal.
Broader Political Implications
This development represents more than just a naming request—it touches upon several important dimensions:
- Cultural Recognition: Honoring Guru Ravidas, an important spiritual figure for many communities in Punjab
- Federal Relations: State government requests to the central administration
- Political Timing: Strategic requests made during high-profile visits
- Historical Continuity: Building upon previous legislative actions
The outcome of this request will be closely watched as it represents both a cultural acknowledgment and a test of center-state relations in matters of regional significance.
