Chandigarh, December 21: With Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh slowly but surely taking over Akalis’ Panthic agenda, the going may get even tougher for the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Also, it will stop murmurings within the Congress regarding the CM’s “bonhomie” with Akali leaders. Amarinder Singh has begun to assume charge of both political and religious affairs of the Sikhs.
His government will celebrate the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib on December 24. The CM will be visiting Patna to pay obeisance at Takht Patna Sahib on December 22-23.
While celebrating the event, Amarinder has chosen to invite eminent Sikhs, including former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. At seminars, distinguished Sikhs will discuss the teachings of the Guru.
The Amarinder government that had halted the Teerth Yatra train being run by the previous SAD-BJP government will now take pilgrims to Patna and then to Takht Patna Sahib. Congress MLAs has been asked to “recommend names from among their constituents” to be taken for the pilgrimage.
The expenses, of course, are to be borne by the government. Also, the Amarinder government has been prompt in reacting to various Sikh issues, such as forced conversions in Pakistan.
Source Tribune India
