PHAGWARA: Former Union Minister Som Parkash has called upon all like-minded political parties, social organizations, and community leaders to unite in opposition to the Punjab Government’s proposed “Religious Places and Scriptures (Prevention of Desecration) Bill, 2025, ” which he alleges deliberately omits sacred texts and religious symbols of Dalit communities.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Parkash accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government of attempting to marginalize the religious identity of millions of Dalits by excluding revered figures and scriptures such as the Amritbani Guru Ravidas Ji, idols of Guru Ravidas Ji, Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, Sant Kabir Ji, and Sant Nabhadas Ji from the legal protections proposed under the new bill.
“This is not an accidental oversight—it is a calculated move that exposes the anti-Dalit mindset of the Punjab Government, ” said Parkash. “The legislation, as it stands, reflects systemic bias and discrimination against Dalit religious traditions and their followers.”
Taking direct aim at AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Parkash said that the party has failed to live up to its electoral promises made to Dalit communities. He reminded the public that AAP had pledged to appoint a Dalit Deputy Chief Minister if voted to power, a commitment that remains unfulfilled more than three years into the government’s tenure. He further pointed to the party’s promise of forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe atrocities and false cases against Dalits, which, according to him, has seen no progress.