Amritsar/Chandigarh: The war of words between Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and AAP govt in Punjab, over events planned for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, intensified on Tuesday.After SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami again asked the Punjab govt not to take a confrontational path by organising religious events to mark the occasion, chief minister Bhagwant Mann asked how the govt was interfering in religious affairs. “What about the Khalsa tercentenary events during the Badal govt? When (SGPC president) Harjinder Singh Dhami campaigns for the Akali Dal during elections in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, doesn’t that mean interference in political affairs?” said Mann.He said NGOs and religious organisations would also hold events to commemorate the event. “The SGPC does not have a copyright over such events… The state govt will do what is required. Tell them little knowledge is too dangerous,” said the CM.Earlier, Dhami asked the state govt to commemorate the centenary by establishing a major university, medical college, or hospital dedicated to Guru Sahib, which would serve the public and contribute to social welfare. He also advised the govt to focus on constructing appropriate memorials in honour of the ninth Sikh guru.Talking to media, Dhami said SGPC had outlined programmes to commemorate the occasion nearly a year ago, and these began at Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal in Amritsar in April. As part of this plan, events are now being held across the country. He said if the govt announced separate programmes on dates of pre-planned events by the SGPC at Anandpur Sahib, it would create confusion, and this was against the honoured traditions of the Khalsa Panth.It appears that the govt is deliberately choosing to overlook Sikh institutions. The centenary events related to Sikh history are traditionally organised by the Khalsa Panth itself, with active participation from all Sikh sects and organisations, he said.Dhami added that being a premier Sikh body, the SGPC had already made it clear that invitations will be extended to the heads of all govts to ensure inclusive participation. “In this context, govt’s decision to announce separate programmes raises serious questions,” he said. Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, too, backed Dhami and said govts should provide logistical and infrastructural support. “Centenaries have always been observed under the guidance of Sikh organisations with governmental support,” he said.Gargaj too asked the govt to concentrate on administrative responsibilities. “Is the CM a complete Sikh? Does he keep his hair unshorn? When it comes to following the teachings of the Gurus, the CM must first be a Sabat Surat Sikh (one who maintains the complete physical form as prescribed by the Gurus). If he truly believes in the Guru, he must follow the Guru’s path,” he said. “How can the govt take it upon itself to lead a religious procession like the Nagar Kirtan?” he asked.
