Posters featuring Golden Temple pasted at ‘inappropriate’ spots in Amritsar, BJP leader apologises

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jagmohan S Raju has issued a public apology after facing backlash over posters carrying visuals of the Golden Temple being pasted at several “inappropriate” places across Amritsar, including near garbage dumps.

The controversy erupted after residents, including social activists, pointed out that the posters, which also carried the BJP leader’s image and a message related to granting ‘holy city’ status to Amritsar, had been pasted on pillars, walls and even near garbage heaps in different parts of the city.

Many people termed the move “inappropriate” and “disrespectful” to the sanctity of the revered shrine.

Social activist Pawan Sharma strongly objected to the issue, and accused the BJP leader of trying to claim credit by putting up posters across the city.

He said it was “highly shameful” that posters bearing the image of the Golden Temple had been pasted at places where garbage and filth were visible.

Sharma said it was particularly disappointing that such an oversight

had occurred under the watch of a leader who had earlier served as an IAS officer, and had often described himself as a public servant.

He urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht to take cognisance of the matter, and ensure that such posters were removed immediately.

Former granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, also criticised the act, saying it was inappropriate to display images of the sacred shrine at unclean locations.

As the controversy grew, the BJP leader issued a statement apologising to the Sikh ‘sangat’ (community).

“It has been brought to my notice that some posters published by me regarding granting holy city status to Amritsar Sahib have been pasted at certain inappropriate places,” he said.

Raju added that if the posters had caused any disrespect or hurt anyone’s religious sentiments, he sincerely apologised on behalf of himself and his team.

Describing himself as a humble Sikh, he said mistakes occurred, and sought forgiveness from the Guru and the ‘sangat’.

He said he had directed his team to immediately remove all such posters from unsuitable locations, and ensure that such a mistake does not happen in the future.

Raju appealed to citizens to help remove any poster pasted at places they

considered inappropriate, adding that the matter was related to faith, and should not be politicised.