Has Punjab's AAP Government Committed Sacrilege Against the Sikh Religion?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal accuses AAP government of sacrilege.
- Concerns raised about respect for Sikh heritage.
- Significance of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom highlighted.
- Need for accountability from the government emphasized.
- Calls for a dialogue on Sikh religious traditions.
Chandigarh, July 26 (NationPress) Sukhbir Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, stated on Saturday that the Aam Admi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has engaged in an act of sacrilege against the Sikh religion by shamelessly attempting to transform the solemn anniversary of the supreme martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur into a mere entertainment spectacle in Srinagar.
“This is utterly shocking,” Badal remarked, emphasizing that this incident cannot be brushed off as a mere oversight, particularly since the Chief Minister, the relevant minister Harjot Singh, and many other government officials profess to be deeply rooted in Sikh heritage and hail from Sikh families.
“Everyone in Punjab, irrespective of their faith, recognizes the profound significance of the ninth Guru Sahib’s martyrdom; it should never be regarded as a moment for entertainment,” he added.
“Incidents of sacrilege against Sikh scriptures and shrines are alarmingly frequent, and shockingly, the government itself displayed no shame in directing its police to invade the historically sacred Gurdwara Sahib in Sultanpur Lodhi. The police opened unprovoked fire against Sikh religious figures in our gurdham, and because the Chief Minister was behind this sacrilegious police operation, no accountability has been established for this heinous act,” Badal stated.
In response to reports of musical performances at an event organized by the Punjab government through its Language department in Srinagar, the Akali Dal chief labeled it “a component of a deep-seated conspiracy aimed at diminishing and undermining the unparalleled Sikh heritage.”
He asserted, “The underlying intent behind these sacrilegious acts is to sever our future generations from the distinctive aspects of our illustrious history and the religious legacy of our revered Guru Sahiban.”
“By opting for song and dance entertainment instead of reciting sacred Gurbani during the profoundly solemn anniversary of 'Hind di Chadar' Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, the AAP government has intentionally sought to mock a sacred occasion and trivialize the world’s most unique sacrifice in the defense of freedom of conscience, religious tolerance, peace, and communal harmony. This is an ultimate display of disrespect towards the great Guru Sahib and constitutes a grave act of sacrilege,” he concluded.
Badal called for accountability from those perpetuating the anti-Sikh mindset within this government, demanding that they acknowledge and justify the ongoing series of sacrilegious acts against Sikh heritage and scriptures in the state.