Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly criticized Congress MP Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi for raising questions on the expenditure on religious and cultural programs of the Punjab government. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is using the government money in a very right and good way to save the rich religious, cultural and spiritual heritage of Punjab and connect the new generation with the teachings of its gurus and saints.
What did Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema say
In a video message, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The Bhagwant Mann government is committed to properly utilize government money for works that preserve the state's heritage and strengthen the connection of the new generation with its religious and cultural traditions. We are not misusing public money; we are using it well by connecting our new generation with our heritage and the teachings of our gurus and saints through Gurbani and spiritual teachings.”
The Finance Minister said that the Bhagwant Mann government had celebrated the 350th 'Martyrdom Day' of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji with full devotion and respect. The objective of these programs was to ensure that the new generation understands the great martyrdom and message of the ninth Sikh Guru Ji and remains connected to the glorious religious heritage of Punjab.
Similarly, he said, "The 650th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj is being celebrated with great devotion and emotion across Punjab."
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Programs like Hamare Ram also aim to respect the religious sentiments of the people and educate children and youth about the rich cultural heritage of the country."
help in fulfilling old wish
Referring to the pilgrimage initiative of the Punjab Government, the Finance Minister said that it is helping the elderly and economically weaker devotees to fulfill their long-standing desire of visiting famous religious places. "Many elderly and economically backward families have a deep desire to go on such pilgrimages, but are unable to do so due to financial constraints or age. The Punjab government is fulfilling those wishes and giving people a chance to visit those religious places which they wanted to visit for a long time."
Targeted at Congress
Taking aim at the Congress, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that opposing the steps taken in favor of such people shows how far the party is from the hopes and sentiments of common Punjabis. he adds, "Instead of appreciating such initiatives, Congress leaders are opposing them, which have fulfilled people's expectations and strengthened their ties with their religion and heritage."
He said, "Opposing the steps taken in favor of such people shows the poor mentality of the Congress and its disconnection from the hopes and sentiments of common Punjabis. Instead of praising these works, Congress leaders are criticizing them for political reasons."
The Finance Minister claimed that the Punjab Government will continue to undertake programs that strengthen the bond between the new generation and the magnificent religious and cultural heritage of Punjab. He said, "The Bhagwant Mann government will continue to respect the beliefs, traditions and sentiments of people of all communities while promoting the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the state."