Chandigarh, April 9: Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has accused the SGPC of prioritizing political considerations over religious development by stalling the Sri Anandpur Sahib Heritage Street project. Speaking in Chandigarh on Thursday, Bains affirmed that the project was meticulously prepared to connect Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib with Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, only to be largely dismantled by the committee.
Bains stated that the original plans, which featured modern amenities like lifts and an open path for Nagar Kirtans, were reordered and reduced by 90 percent. He maintained that these changes were made specifically to ensure that the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann government did not receive credit for the transformation. “It was my heartfelt wish to see this project through for the elderly and the pilgrims, but we must accept the Sikh body’s decision,” Bains declared.
The Minister also took the opportunity to condemn SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal for his recent statements regarding Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Bains asserted that Badal’s suggestion that external agencies played a role in the Takht’s decisions is an “invasion on faith.” He maintained that any individual who challenges the supreme authority of the Akal Takht cannot claim to be a representative of the Sikh community.
Concluding his remarks, Bains urged the Panth to remain united against attempts to weaken religious institutions. He noted that even former Jathedars have expressed concern over the rhetoric used by Akali leadership. Officials maintained that while the government remains committed to heritage preservation, political roadblocks continue to hinder the pace of development in religious circuits.
