Should We Honor Guru Tegh Bahadur on Parliament's First Day?
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Synopsis
On the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Harsimrat Kaur Badal calls for a tribute in Parliament. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Guru's sacrifice for religious freedom while highlighting the need to strengthen the federal framework and address pressing issues such as narco-terrorism in Punjab.
Key Takeaways
- Tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur emphasizes the importance of religious freedom.
- Harsimrat Kaur Badal highlights concerns over the federal structure.
- Issues regarding narco-terrorism are escalating in Punjab.
- Changes to Panjab University governance have raised significant concerns.
- Parliament's actions can affect national unity and state relations.
Chandigarh, Nov 30 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) representative and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Sunday urged the Union government and parliamentary leaders to honor “Hind ki Chadar” Guru Tegh Bahadur during the first day of Parliament in remembrance of his 350th martyrdom anniversary. This event serves to recognize the profound sacrifice made by the Guru in defense of religious liberty.
In a statement to the media ahead of the Parliament session, Kaur emphasized that commencing the winter session with a tribute to the Guru’s legacy would be a commendable gesture. She underscored the need to reaffirm commitment to his principles amidst concerns over the diminishing strength of the federal framework due to poorly conceived legislation and decisions.
Kaur criticized the earlier decision to classify Chandigarh as a union territory, currently on hold, arguing that it could destabilize the state and disrupt peace. She questioned why the Bill remains paused instead of being permanently retracted, asserting that such measures further undermine the federal structure and distance states from the central government.
She pointed out that the Central government has previously enacted several detrimental policies towards Punjab. Notably, the authority of Punjab over the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which oversees the flow of the Beas waters, has been significantly weakened due to rule alterations permitting member nominations from any state.
Furthermore, she mentioned the recent move by the Centre to alter the governance of Panjab University in Chandigarh, diminishing Punjab’s role and abolishing Senate elections, which had previously been reversed following public outcry, yet it still left Punjabis feeling marginalized. Kaur also highlighted the urgent issue of narco-terrorism and the necessity for decisive action, given the entire border and surrounding regions fall under BSF control. A recent report from the Punjab Police indicated that the trafficking of arms and narcotics has escalated fivefold.
“The Punjab and Haryana High Court has also recently noted that the number of drug dealers in Punjab surpasses that of users,” she remarked. In this context, she called for intensified efforts by the Centre to effectively secure the borders.
Point of View
It is crucial to reflect on the implications of these discussions for India's federal structure and the ongoing challenges faced by Punjab. The appeal by Harsimrat Kaur Badal underscores the need for unity and the protection of religious freedoms, while also shedding light on the pressing issue of narco-terrorism. As a nation, we must strive to honor our historical figures and learn from their sacrifices to foster a more inclusive and secure society.
NationPress
30/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Guru Tegh Bahadur significant?
Guru Tegh Bahadur is revered for his ultimate sacrifice in defending religious freedom.
What did Harsimrat Kaur Badal propose?
She proposed that Parliament pay tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary.
How has the federal structure been affected?
Ill-conceived decisions, such as the union territory status of Chandigarh, have weakened it.
What is the current situation with narco-terrorism in Punjab?
The Punjab Police reported a significant increase in drug smuggling and related issues.
What was the reaction to changes in Panjab University governance?
The changes were met with protests, reflecting concerns over diminishing Punjab's influence.
