MP Chabbewal slams Centre for blocking Sikh pilgrimage to Pak

Lok Sabha member Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal on Monday criticised the Modi government for cancelling the pilgrimage of Sikh devotees to Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab. He accused the Centre of “bruising the psyche of Sikhs” with its decision and said it was an example of “hostile” treatment towards Punjab.

Chabbewal questioned the government’s double standards, pointing out that while cricket matches with Pakistan were allowed, Sikh pilgrims were barred from visiting religious sites like Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib. He stressed that the decision hurt Sikh sentiments, emphasising that “devotion cannot wait for politics.”

The MP also lashed out at the BJP-led government for failing to release Rs 1,600 crore in flood relief funds for Punjab, even as it extended financial aid to other countries. He accused the Centre of “step-motherly treatment” towards the state and alleged that Punjab BJP leaders were compromising public interests for political gain.

Chabbewal warned that the people of Punjab would not tolerate “selective bans and approvals” dictated by the ruling government in Delhi, adding that the state did not need a “certificate of patriotism” from the Centre.