Channi accuses Badals of hindering celebrations

Chandigarh, October 11

Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has accused the SAD of conspiring to stop the Punjab Government from celebrating the 550th Prakash Purb of Guru Nanak by using Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Criticising SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bibi Jagir Kaur, Channi said these two were the biggest impediments in joint celebrations.

He alleged that Sukhbir Singh Badal was pressurising the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to issue such orders which would stop the Punjab Government functions in connection with the celebrations.

The minister further divulged that the state government had already made it clear that it would not interfere in SGPC-managed functions inside the gurdwaras while the state would take care of the functions to be held outside the purview of the gurdwaras. The arrangements with regard to establishing a big pandal on 800 acres have been completed.

Channi also added that the SGPC’s move to spend heftily to celebrate the occasion separately aimed to further the political interests of the SAD. The SGPC has been “exposed as a mere tool in the hands of Badal family.”

He said he had once again appealed to the Jathedar, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, to direct the SGPC to cooperate in the celebrations being held by the state government as to convey the message of unity to the world. — TNS