CHANDIGARH: In a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly convened to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the AAP government derailed the sanctity of the moment by engaging in political point-scoring instead of reflecting on Guru Sahib’s life and philosophy. Bharatiya Janta Party National Parliamentary Board member and former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Iqbal Singh Lalpura, called this a clear violation of Gurmat and a disregard for Maryada.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Lalpura launched a strong critique of the Mann government. Punjab BJP state vice-president Fateh Jung Bajwa, Senior Leader Jagdeep Singh Cheema, chief spokesperson Colonel Jaibans Singh, state media head Vineet Joshi, and former DSP Balwinder Singh Sekhon were also present.
Lalpura said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji — “the protector of tilak and sacred thread” — sacrificed everything for the protection of humanity. Yet on this sacred occasion, instead of upholding the core message of the martyrdom—Guru Sahib’s teachings, defence of religious freedom, human rights, and fearless resistance to oppression—the AAP government chose to indulge in political attacks.
He said the Mann government converted the commemorative session into a “stage for political rhetoric, ” undermining the solemnity and spiritual significance of the day. The purpose of the session was to honour a towering chapter of Sikh history with dignity, but political accusations overshadowed the sanctity of the occasion.
Lalpura said the essence of Guru Sahib’s martyrdom is respect, tolerance, and standing for truth—yet the AAP government’s conduct was entirely disconnected from Guru Sahib’s philosophy.
Lalpura sharply criticised Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, calling him “ignorant.” He said Arora’s comments regarding the Prime Minister’s absence had “no factual basis” and suggested that Arora “may not even know five pauris of Japji Sahib by heart.”
He said Arora’s statements, made on such a solemn day, exposed his complete lack of understanding of Gurbani, Gurdwara tradition, and Sikh history.
According to Lalpura, Arora has little knowledge of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji’s life, martyrdom, or philosophy, making his remarks both uninformed and disrespectful.
Lalpura said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always taken concrete steps to honour the Sikh faith and preserve the Guru tradition.