Punjab MLA Resigns Over Shrine Controversy
Banga MLA Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi announced his resignation on Sunday. He stepped down as chairman of the Punjab State Container & Warehousing Corporation. Sukhi also said he would give up the cabinet rank granted by the state government.
Background of the Dispute
The decision follows a controversy involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Four days earlier, Mann linked the popular Sikh shrine Rasokhana Nabh Kanwal Raja Sahib to 328 missing saroops of Guru Granth Sahib. The shrine is located in Nawanshahr's Majara village, within Sukhi's Banga constituency. It attracts large numbers of devotees from the area.
Just hours after Mann spoke at an AAP conference during the Maghi Mela on January 14, Sukhi rushed to the shrine late at night. He clarified there was no violation of the religious code, or "maryada," of Guru Granth Sahib at the site.
Shrine Management Counters CM
On Thursday, the shrine management issued a strong counter to the Chief Minister. They provided details about the 169 saroops of Guru Granth Sahib present at the shrine. The management accused Mann of spreading false information.
This rebuttal from the shrine prompted opposition leaders to launch attacks on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. The political atmosphere grew tense over the religious issue.
Sukhi's Emotional Statement
Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi posted a video statement on Facebook to announce his resignation. "I can go to any extent to honour Raja Sahib," he declared. "I resign from my position as a cabinet minister and chairman of Cownware."
He explained his feelings about the recent events. "What happened in the last days and some doubts were expressed about the shrine and about the maryada of the Guru Granth Sahib. The sangat here, which included me also, felt hurt. I visited the palace on that day itself and I visited daily. I came here again and I pray that the false propaganda is dispelled."
Sukhi emphasized his primary loyalty. "I said that my first allegiance is with Raja Sahib. I announce that I will give up the cabinet rank given by the Punjab govt and also the post of chairman of Conware. I pray that I get the strength to resolve all the differences after explaining everything to the CM and AAP leadership," he stated.
Opposition Leader Visits Shrine
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also visited the shrine on Sunday. He commented that the controversy was both unwanted and avoidable. His visit underscored the political significance of the issue.
The resignations and statements highlight the sensitive nature of religious sentiments in Punjab politics. The situation remains fluid as leaders navigate the fallout from the Chief Minister's remarks.
