Punjab: Deepak Bali, General Secretary of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab and Advisor to the Cultural Affairs Department of the Punjab Government, has strongly condemned the statement given by Congress MP Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi regarding the religious and cultural programs being conducted by the Punjab Government. He said Gandhi's statement had deeply hurt the sentiments of Punjabis and people of different religions across the state.
Emphasis on Punjab's common culture and religious harmony
Bali said that Punjab is the land of five rivers and has always been known for its diverse culture, where people of different religions live together and respect each other's beliefs and traditions. He said that the culture of Punjab is based on mutual brotherhood and religious harmony, and no one has the right to make wrong comments about the faith and religious sentiments of crores of people.
Various religious programs being organized by the Punjab Government "religious pomp" Responding to the query, Bali said that such programs are organized to honor the great spiritual and cultural heritage of Punjab and to convey the great thoughts and teachings of religious figures to the new generation.
He said that the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was celebrated because his sacrifice still inspires today's generation to stand up for courage, truth and the rights of others.
Celebration of 650th Prakash Parv of Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji
Similarly, he said that the 650th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji is being celebrated through processions, drone shows, screening of documentaries in villages and kirtans. Bali said, "Calling all these programs 'ostentatious' is not just a criticism of the government, but it is hurting the sentiments of crores of devotees."
Defense of programs of Sanatan traditions
Bali also defended programs dedicated to Sanatan traditions like 'Ek Shaam Lord Shiva Ke Naam' and 'Hamara Ram' and said thousands of people attend these programs with devotion and faith. He said the government respects the religious beliefs of every community and will continue to organize programs celebrating the diverse spiritual and religious traditions of Punjab.
Objection to importance and criticism of 'Hamara Ram' program
Referring to the program 'Hamara Ram', Bali said that it is a presentation of Ramayana which depicts its different chapters and conveys the message of important values like respecting parents and fulfilling one's responsibilities. He said that raising questions on such programs or saying that temples should not be built is like hurting the sentiments of crores of people.
Silence of Congress leaders and target on Deependra Hooda
Bali questioned the silence of Congress leaders on Gandhi's statements and alleged that such statements show the Congress party's attempt to divide Punjab on religious lines. He also criticized Congress leader Deepender Hooda, who had described Sajjan Kumar as a role model. Bali said that perhaps the real stand of the Congress leaders is that they are considering the murderers of innocents as role models and are hurting the religious sentiments of the people with their irresponsible statements.
Public trust on Bhagwant Mann government
Bali said, “The people of Punjab have reposed confidence in the Bhagwant Mann government. We will continue to hold programs celebrating the religious and cultural heritage of Punjab. No comments can stop us from doing so.” He claimed that the AAP government will continue to promote the rich cultural and religious traditions of Punjab and more big events will be organized when the party returns to power in 2027.