Punjab, top Sikh body spar over events on Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom day
However, the SGPC has voiced strong objections after the government announcement, calling the overlapping of events disruptive and disrespectful to Sikh traditions. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami accused the Mann government of intentionally sidelining Sikh institutions and calling for avoidable controversy with the Panth. 'Instead of following the cooperative spirit shown by earlier governments, this administration is intruding into Panthic affairs,' Dhami said.'SGPC, as the premier religious body of the Sikh community, holds the rightful authority to lead such historic religious commemorations in coordination with Sikh organisations and sangat (devotees). The role of governments should be to facilitate arrangements for the devotees—not to interfere in religious affairs,' Dhami told India Today.In response, CM Mann hit back at the SGPC on Tuesday, questioning if the body held a 'copyright' on organising events for Sikh Gurus. Mann also mentioned that during Prakash Singh Badal's government, similar events were hosted together by the SGPC and the SAD-led Punjab government.This is not the first time that the SGPC or any government excluding SAD is in contradiction. The situation mirrors a similar conflict in 2019, when the SGPC clashed with the then Congress-led government over parallel events for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary.The anniversary, due in November, carries political weight ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls. For the SAD, struggling with internal divisions and a waning voter base, the commemorations represent a chance to reconnect with the public. Meanwhile, the AAP government seems determined to assert its role in religious and cultural affairs.Despite the controversy, preparations are moving ahead at full pace. The state government expects over one crore devotees in Anandpur Sahib and plans to turn the city white for the occasion. A 'tent city' will be erected for visitors, and sound-and-light shows will be held across all 23 districts. Seminars in universities are also on the cards to spread awareness about Guru Tegh Bahadur's legacy. Coordination is underway with Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir to facilitate the events.advertisementThe SGPC has stated it will invite leaders from all states to its commemorative events, aiming for inclusivity. However, the body's secretary, Balwinder Singh, claimed he was unaware of any official communication with the Mann government.If the two sides choose to reconcile and organise joint events, it could lead to the unlikely scenario of CM Mann sharing the stage with SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal—a politically sensitive prospect, given the SGPC's frequent criticisms of the AAP government.- EndsMust Watch
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