Punjab Chief Minister Defends New Sacrilege Law Amid Criticism from Akal Takht
Punjab CM defends sacrilege law amid Akal Takht pushback
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended a newly enacted law against sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib at the Golden Temple, despite criticism from Akal Takht's acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj over a lack of consultation. Mann also targeted the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for its opposition and criticized the BJP for its perceived anti-Punjab actions.
- 01Bhagwant Mann defended the new sacrilege law, stating it was created after extensive consultation with Sikh lawyers.
- 02Akal Takht's acting jathedar expressed disapproval, citing a lack of consultation with the Sikh community.
- 03Mann criticized the SGPC for opposing the law despite previously demanding its enactment.
- 04He accused the BJP of having an anti-Punjab mindset and highlighted past grievances related to farmers' rights.
- 05Mann warned against a potential alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP, calling it detrimental to Punjab.
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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the Golden Temple to express gratitude for the enactment of a stricter law against sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib. This law has faced pushback from Akal Takht's acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, who criticized the lack of consultation with the Sikh community. Mann defended the law, asserting it was finalized with input from renowned Sikh lawyers and emphasized that the Sikh community worldwide supports it. He also took aim at the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), questioning its legitimacy due to the absence of recent elections. Mann further criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its alleged anti-Punjab actions, referencing the deaths of 700 farmers during the farm protests and accusing the party of divisive politics. He warned that any alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP would harm Punjab, as both parties prioritize political survival over the welfare of the state.
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The new law is expected to strengthen the legal framework protecting the Guru Granth Sahib, which may enhance community trust in governance and religious institutions.
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