Row deepens, SGPC sends invite to govt

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 10

SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal today extended invitation to the state government for the function being held by it at Sultanpur Lodhi on November 12.

The issue came up for discussion in an informal meeting between the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues here today. Reacting sharply to the move, Cultural Affairs Minister Charanjit Channi said it amounted to showing disrespect to Akal Takht.

“When the Akal Takht Jatehdar has asked for holding joint celebrations, where is the need to hold a parallel function? Despite the adamant attitude of the SGPC, we have not given up. We are still hopeful of holding a common event on November 12,” Channi told The Tribune.

The SGPC yesterday awarded contract to a Delhi firm for setting up its stage. The Punjab Government is already setting up a tent city for the November 12 function.

The SGPC has accused the state of not cooperating. Sources in the government said if the stalemate continued, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could skip the Sultanpur Lodhi function of both the government and the SGPC to avoid any controversy.

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is learnt to have requested the latter to intervene and prevail upon the Badals and the SGPC to agree to a joint function. Instead, the PM could go to the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor at Dera Baba Nanak, said sources.

Centre’s nod to kerosene supply 

• The state will get non-subsidised kerosene on the occasion of celebrations of 550th Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak, informed KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary, Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. 
• He said a number of religious activities were being held which would attract huge gathering for which langar would be prepared on a grand scal, hence the need for extra fuel. tns