BJP hosts paths, kirtan darbars to mark martyrdom day of ninth Guru

Members of the BJP in Jalandhar organised various events held in Jalandhar and Kapurthala to honour the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

The party also recently held a kirtan darbar at Virasat-e-Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib, as part of the ongoing 350th martyrdom anniversary commemorations.

With this exercise, the party also plans to reach out to its Sikh as well as rural vote bank, displeased following the farm stir, the result of which has also been witnessed in the party's performance in subsequent elections held ever since. The peacefully attended BJP gatherings at gurdwaras have so far been a success. Party leaders said they had recieved strict instructions not to use any of the party flags, etc at any of these events.

Leaders of the party in Jalandhar district observed Sukhmani Sahib paths at various mandals today. The BJP has 17 urban mandals in Jalandhar and 19 in Kapurthala. Party leaders said paths were held at some mandals and remaining would be held in coming days. Kirtan darbars will also be held until November 30.

At Kapurthala, the party hosted a seminar on the martyrdom day at a school, two paths at mandal levels and a kirtan darbar from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Shri Guru Ravidas Gurdwara, Khojewal.

Ranjit Singh Deol, BJP district president, Kapurthala, said, "Till some time ago, if we talked of the BJP hosting an event at a gurdwara, we would have faced opposition. But our events were welcomed with open arms by the sangat this time. People also attended the gatherings. Every event was apolitical and hosted solely in the spirit of remembering the Guru's sacrifices and honouring his selfless acts and message for humanity."

At Jalandhar, Mandal 1 president Rajesh Malhotra and Mandal 4 president Ashish Sehgal attended Sukhmani Sahib path ceremonies at Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Adda Hoshiarpur Chowk and at Shri Guru Ravidas Gurdwara, Nagra Road, Maqsudan. BJP district president Sushil Sharma, former CPS and state vice-president KD Bhandari were also present, among other party leaders.

District president, Jalandhar, Sushil Sharma said, "These events convey the immortal message of the Guru's sacrifice, unity and truth to the masses.