Chandigarh November 24:
After luring for votes by organising Kabaddi World Cup, the Badal government is all set to woo the electors 'religiously'. Notwithstanding Congress claims of Khalsa Heritage Complex being inaugurated five years back, the Akali-BJP combine is all set to charm voters by cutting the red ribbon "again".
Beginning with dedicating the Khalsa Heritage Complex - Virasat-e-Khalsa - to the people of the State, the government will also inaugurate a number of other buildings of religious and Sikh heritage values. It has already chalked out a plan and is gearing up for the mega events. After inaugurating the 'landmark' Khalsa Heritage Complex on Friday, November 25, the Akali-BJP alliance will raise the curtain on three Sikh war memorials within a week's time.
"After Virasat-e-Khalsa, the memorial on the chhota ghallughara (holocaust) at Kahnuwan in Gurdaspur district will be inaugurated on November 28, wadda ghallughara at Kup Rahira in Sangrur district on November 29 and memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Chapar Chiri in Mohali district will be inaugurated on November 30 by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal," SAD secretary and spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said.
With the establishment of these four memorials, the State Government has not just provided Punjabis, particularly members of the Sikh community, a historic opportunity to preserve their heritage, but apparently a chance to flatter the voters also. However, the soon-to-be-inaugurated Khalsa Heritage Complex is facing flak from various Sikh activists and organisations for inviting Bollywood personalities at its inaugural ceremony. Moreover, the Congress has all along been claiming that the Complex has already been inaugurated in 2006 by the then Chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh, presently the State Congress chief.
"Capt Amarinder inaugurated the Complex in 2006 on the day of Baisakhi, that too just before the elections. It was then stated that he inaugurated the first phase, but actually there was nothing at the Complex, and he actually inaugurated just the gate that was built at that time. The centre has now been completed," said a senior government official, requesting anonymity. SAD, being a regional party, knew the pulse of the people of the State and the ways to woo them. Political analysts believe that as Punjab is mainly a Sikh-dominant State and Sikhs being an emotional community, the Akalis are apparently playing the right cards and at the right time!
SAD is touching the right chords of the people and may actually get to play music of its choice after the Assembly polls. Though, the rival Congress does not believe so. "By playing politics on religious grounds, the Akalis cannot hide their misdeeds and corruption. The people of this State do not need war memorials or heritage centres but clean water to drink, pollution-free environment, jobs and lots more," said Congress legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
Notably, the State Government had earlier enticed the sportspersons by successfully organising the World Cup Kabaddi-Punjab's traditional game. "The tournament has not only inspired the youth in villages and cities to participate in games, particularly the Kabaddi, but has provided a big needed push to Kabaddi worldwide," said Cheema. However, it is yet to be seen what games the State Government plays with the religious organisations.
After luring for votes by organising Kabaddi World Cup, the Badal government is all set to woo the electors 'religiously'. Notwithstanding Congress claims of Khalsa Heritage Complex being inaugurated five years back, the Akali-BJP combine is all set to charm voters by cutting the red ribbon "again".
Beginning with dedicating the Khalsa Heritage Complex - Virasat-e-Khalsa - to the people of the State, the government will also inaugurate a number of other buildings of religious and Sikh heritage values. It has already chalked out a plan and is gearing up for the mega events. After inaugurating the 'landmark' Khalsa Heritage Complex on Friday, November 25, the Akali-BJP alliance will raise the curtain on three Sikh war memorials within a week's time.
"After Virasat-e-Khalsa, the memorial on the chhota ghallughara (holocaust) at Kahnuwan in Gurdaspur district will be inaugurated on November 28, wadda ghallughara at Kup Rahira in Sangrur district on November 29 and memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Chapar Chiri in Mohali district will be inaugurated on November 30 by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal," SAD secretary and spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said.
With the establishment of these four memorials, the State Government has not just provided Punjabis, particularly members of the Sikh community, a historic opportunity to preserve their heritage, but apparently a chance to flatter the voters also. However, the soon-to-be-inaugurated Khalsa Heritage Complex is facing flak from various Sikh activists and organisations for inviting Bollywood personalities at its inaugural ceremony. Moreover, the Congress has all along been claiming that the Complex has already been inaugurated in 2006 by the then Chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh, presently the State Congress chief.
"Capt Amarinder inaugurated the Complex in 2006 on the day of Baisakhi, that too just before the elections. It was then stated that he inaugurated the first phase, but actually there was nothing at the Complex, and he actually inaugurated just the gate that was built at that time. The centre has now been completed," said a senior government official, requesting anonymity. SAD, being a regional party, knew the pulse of the people of the State and the ways to woo them. Political analysts believe that as Punjab is mainly a Sikh-dominant State and Sikhs being an emotional community, the Akalis are apparently playing the right cards and at the right time!
SAD is touching the right chords of the people and may actually get to play music of its choice after the Assembly polls. Though, the rival Congress does not believe so. "By playing politics on religious grounds, the Akalis cannot hide their misdeeds and corruption. The people of this State do not need war memorials or heritage centres but clean water to drink, pollution-free environment, jobs and lots more," said Congress legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
Notably, the State Government had earlier enticed the sportspersons by successfully organising the World Cup Kabaddi-Punjab's traditional game. "The tournament has not only inspired the youth in villages and cities to participate in games, particularly the Kabaddi, but has provided a big needed push to Kabaddi worldwide," said Cheema. However, it is yet to be seen what games the State Government plays with the religious organisations.
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