PHAGWARA: Lok Sabha member Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal on Monday accused the Modi government of “bruising the psyche of Sikhs” by cancelling the visit of pilgrims to Pakistan for Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Chabbewal alleged the Centre was showing “hostile” treatment towards Punjab, questioning why cricket matches with Pakistan were allowed while devotees were barred from visiting Kartarpur Sahib and Nankana Sahib. He said the decision amounted to hurting Sikh sentiments and demanded that “devotion cannot wait for politics.”
The MP also slammed the BJP-led Centre for not releasing ₹1, 600 crore in flood relief funds for Punjab, while extending aid to other countries. He accused the government of “step-motherly treatment” towards the state and charged Punjab BJP leaders with compromising public interest for political gains.
Chabbewal warned that Punjabis would not tolerate “selective bans and approvals” dictated by the ruling dispensation, adding that Punjab does not need any “certificate of patriotism” from Delhi.