Did AAP Leadership Disrespect Sikh Sentiments?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Condemnation of AAP's actions by BJP leader Iqbal Singh Lalpura.
- Concerns over sacrilege and disrespect towards Sikh sentiments.
- Call for apologies and legal action against responsible parties.
- Highlighting AAP's unfulfilled promises regarding sacrilege cases.
- Criticism of Chief Minister Mann's absence from a significant commemorative event.
Chandigarh, July 26 (NationPress) The Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Iqbal Singh Lalpura, voiced his distress and denounced a series of acts perceived as sacrilege by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in Punjab, which have offended the feelings of the Sikh community.
He stated, "It is absolutely disgraceful that during a solemn event in Srinagar, organized by the Punjab government to honor the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, entertainment including bhangra, songs, and dance was permitted, even in the presence of Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains. This act directly disrespects the unparalleled sacrifice of Guru Sahib and represents a clear sacrilege," Lalpura, who is also part of the BJP's national Parliamentary Board, remarked.
He highlighted a particularly objectionable incident during the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) session, where Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan recited an incorrect 'Ardaas da Dohra' before discussing the anti-sacrilege bill.
Lalpura expressed that the presence of some MLAs and attendees with uncovered heads and shoes on their feet during such a sacred prayer constitutes a blatant disregard for Sikh maryada; this is yet another sacrilege.
He also noted the unfulfilled pledges regarding sacrilege issues made by the AAP government.
"Arvind Kejriwal's promise to establish fast-track courts for sacrilege cases within a short time has been shown to be a significant falsehood," Lalpura stated.
Expressing disappointment over Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's actions, the BJP leader remarked, "It is extremely regrettable that the Chief Minister was absent from the state-level event at Raj Bhavan honoring Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib's martyrdom day, opting instead to travel to Gujarat with Arvind Kejriwal on that day."
"We urge Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, Harjot Bains, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, and the entire AAP leadership to promptly apologize to the Sikh community and the people of Punjab for these severe acts of disrespect. Moreover, we demand that appropriate legal actions under existing laws be taken against all those responsible for these sacrileges," he added.