Religious fervour, political rhetoric take centre stage

A Special Vidhan Sabha session convened at Anandpur Sahib to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur maintained a perfect balance between religious fervour and political rhetoric.

Considering the series of recent political events in the state — from changes in the structure of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to now withdrawn changes in the Senate of Panjab University and Chandigarh Administration — the session reverberated with concerns about these “attacks on Punjab by the Centre”.

The House also unanimously passed a resolution, recognising the sacrifices made by the ninth Sikh Guru and abide by the principles of secularism, protecting human rights and promoting peace, tolerance and harmony in society, as professed by Guru Tegh Bahadur. The resolution was moved by Anandpur Sahib MLA and Education Minister Harjot Bains.

Each MLA, who spoke in the House, remembered how Guru Tegh Bahadur stood up against tyranny and protected the rights of Kashmiri Pandits by laying down his life.

Lawmakers across the political spectrum also spoke about the Centre’s alleged bias against the state. They said the Centre was testing political waters through repeated attempts to take control over the BBMB and the state’s river waters, state’s university (Panjab University) and its capital Chandigarh.

Leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party as well as the Opposition parties highlighted that they should work together to protect the state’s rights. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Punjab would never give up its rights over its resources, whether it is the state’s rivers, institutions like PU or its capital city. “No Punjabi can close his eyes and let the Centre ride over them. Punjabis are not only aware of their rights, but also know how to fight to protect these. Let us all rise above our own political issues and together fight those who are attacking us from left (referring to Pakistan) and right (referring to the Centre),” said the CM.

Mann said, “Hum woh patte nahin jo shakh se gir kar toot jayenge, aandhiyon se kaho aukat mein rahein.”

However, it was Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa who set the tone for the political rhetoric. He said the need of the hour was that all Punjabis, irrespective of their political ideology, joined hands to guard Punjab’s culture, history and diversity.

Bajwa said, “These are under attack from those ruling at the Centre. They are raking up issues that are close to every Punjabi’s heart. Be it the water of our rivers, not giving our dues in the GST and Rural Development Fund, trying to take over our university or Chandigarh. They are testing political waters here every few months. We can defeat them only when we are together.”

AAP Minister Aman Arora said whether it is the situation in Manipur or Nuh in Haryana, attempts were being made to divide the country along the communal lines. “We are holding this session here to send the message of secularism that we Punjabis have imbibed from Guru Tegh Bahadur to the entire country. The message of this session is clear — Na Hindu rashtra, na Khalistan, Jug Jug Jeye Mera Hindustan,” he added.

Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan asserted that Punjabis always rise and raise their voice against atrocities. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema also alleged that Punjab was under attack, referring to the recent incidents involving Punjabi institutions and assets.

BJP state working president and MLA Ashwani Sharma said he wished that Partap Bajwa and others would not have indulged in politics. He reminded the House that Guru Tegh Bahadur was called “Hind Di Chadar” for protecting those practicing the Sanatan Dharam.

Meanwhile, SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali demanded the release of Bandi Singhs (those who have been incarcerated for many years), while raising the demand for the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh.

He demanded that the Anandpur Sahib resolution, which sought more powers for the state, not be ignored.