Major facelift for Patiala temple as Mann launches Rs 75-cr works

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday launched projects worth Rs 75 crore for a comprehensive facelift of the Kali Devi temple in Patiala.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal.

Mann and Kejriwal also unveiled a 3D architectural model of the temple complex, showcasing proposed transformation under state-funded projects.

The temple, which attracts devotees from Punjab and neighbouring states, has seen repeated visits by AAP leaders in the past year.

Hindu voters ‘on mind’

The temple facelift is being viewed as part of ruling AAP’s attempt to consolidate its base among Hindu voters in urban Punjab, where the BJP has been trying to increase its vote share.

In May, Kejriwal had promised to undertake a complete facelift of the temple complex, for which he had said that a master plan was in the works. Kejriwal on Thursday said nearly 10,000 devotees visited the temple daily, with the footfall rising to 40,000 on Saturdays and nearly 1 lakh during Navratri.

He said projects worth Rs 73.52 crore had been initiated to preserve the temple’s heritage while modernising its infrastructure.

Among the key initiatives are a Rs 1.15 crore project to draw clean water from the Bhakra Canal for the temple pond and the upgrade of the sewage and rainwater drainage system at a cost of Rs 49.06 lakh.

An Aam Aadmi Clinic will also be set up within the temple complex at a cost of Rs 25 lakh to provide medical aid to devotees and local residents.

Rs 6.78-cr light-&-sound show

Mann also announced a Rs 6.78-crore light and sound show near the temple pond, modelled after arrangements at major pilgrimage centres and a Rs 15.11-lakh lift installation in the new temple building.

He said the temple pond will be completely renovated, de-silted, waterproofed and bordered with new stonework and pathways to enhance its aesthetic and spiritual appeal.

The Chief Minister added that a new passageway, boundary wall, entry gate and corridor were being constructed to ease movement during peak days. A queue management system with barricades and signboards will also be put in place for better crowd control during weekends and festivals.