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Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab General Secretary and Advisor to the Punjab Government’s Department of Culture and Tourism, Deepak Bali, strongly condemned the remarks made by Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi regarding religious and cultural programmes organised by the Punjab Government, saying that his comments had deeply hurt the sentiments of Punjabis and people of different faiths across the state.
Bali said Punjab is the land of five rivers and has always been known for its rich diversity, where people belonging to different religions live together and respect one another’s faith and traditions. He said that Punjab’s culture is rooted in mutual respect and religious harmony, and no one should make derogatory remarks about the faith and religious sentiments of millions of people.
Reacting to Gandhi’s description of various religious programmes organised by the Punjab Government as "religious ostentation", Bali said that such programmes are organised to honour the great spiritual and cultural heritage of Punjab and to pass the values and teachings of religious figures on to the younger generation.
He said the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib was commemorated because his unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire the present generation with the values of courage, righteousness and standing up for the rights of others.
Similarly, he said, celebrations marking the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj are being organised through Shobha Yatras, drone shows, documentary screenings in villages and Kirtan Samagams. “Calling all these programmes ‘ostentation’ (ਅਡੰਬਰ) is not merely a criticism of the government; it hurts the sentiments of millions of devotees,” Bali said.
Bali also defended programmes celebrating Sanatan traditions, including 'Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam' and 'Hamare Ram', saying that thousands of people participate in such events with devotion and faith. He said the government respects the religious beliefs of every community and will continue to organise programmes that celebrate Punjab’s diverse spiritual and religious traditions.
Referring to the 'Hamare Ram' programme, Bali said that it is a presentation of the Ramayana that depicts its various chapters and conveys important values, including respect for parents and obedience to one’s duties. He said that questioning such programmes or suggesting that temples should not be built amounted to hurting the sentiments of millions of people.
Bali questioned the silence of Congress leaders over Gandhi’s remarks and alleged that such statements reflect the Congress party’s attempt to divide Punjab along religious lines. He also criticised Congress leader Deepender Hooda over his remarks describing Sajjan Kumar as a role model. Bali said that maybe that is the true stand of the Congress leaders, idolising the people who murdered innocent people and hurting the religious sentiments of the people through their irresponsible statements.
“The people of Punjab have placed their trust in the Bhagwant Mann government. We will continue organising programmes that celebrate Punjab’s religious and cultural heritage. No individual’s remarks can stop us from doing so,” Bali said.
He asserted that the AAP government would continue to promote Punjab’s rich cultural and religious traditions and said that even larger programmes would be organised when the party returns to power in 2027.
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