Minister attends religious event amid controversy

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Kumar Bedi visited Sirsa to participate in a religious event at Shyam Bagichi temple on Thursday.

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During his visit, Bedi was asked to comment on Cabinet minister Anil Vij and other political matters, however, he said he was there for a yajna and would address political issues later.

He said since many people from Haryana could not attend Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, the state would organise a similar event at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra on February 27. Sacred water brought from the Kumbh would be used for a holy dip. The event would be attended by CM Nayab Singh Saini, ministers, and legislators.

He also spoke about the completion of the 108 Kundiya Mahayagya and announced that a 1008 Kundiya Mahayagya would take place from March 18 to March 27 in Kurukshetra to purify the environment.

Swami Hariom Maharaj, who was also present there, requested the state government to declare September 17 as 'yajna day'.

The minister, meanwhile, faced criticism from local whistleblower Kartar Singh, who accused him of visiting the temple, which he claimed was illegally built on green belt.

A resident of Agrasen Colony, Kartar Singh has filed a PIL petition, highlighting the encroachment on green belts. He said the issue was under the review of the high court, which had, on April 8, 2024, halted illegal constructions in the area. He alleged that despite the court's orders, construction work continued, with religious structures transforming from temporary tents into permanent buildings. He claimed that local leaders, with the support of government officials, were complicit in this illegal activity.