BJP Govt Should Respect Sikh Sentiments: AAP MP Writes Letter to PM, Demands Renaming 'Veer Bal Diwas'

Punjab: The government of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again taken the central BJP government to task. MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that 'Veer Bal Diwas' be renamed to 'Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas'. 

Why Has Punjab Objected to the Name 'Veer Bal Diwas'?

The Punjab government said that the Central government is ignoring the religious sentiments of the Sikh community and not giving due respect to Punjab's glorious history. This issue once again proves that the Aam Aadmi Party government is ready to fight on every front for Punjab's identity and the honour of Sikh religion.

What Did MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal Demand in His Letter to the PM?

In his letter, MP Seechewal clearly stated that the martyrdom of the four Sahibzades should be honoured at the national level. 

He wrote, “Keeping in mind the religious sentiments of the Sikh community, this day should be named ‘Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas’, which properly reflects the sacrifice of the entire Sikh community on the anniversary of the martyrdom.” 

The Punjab government has raised this matter seriously and urged the central government to consider the petitions of Punjab and Sikh organizations sensitively. This step shows that the Mann government will not compromise on protecting Punjab's cultural and religious identity.

What Steps Has the AAP Government Taken to Promote Sikh Heritage?

In the last two years, the Punjab government has taken many concrete steps to promote Sikh religion and Punjabi culture. The government has started special schemes for the development of Gurdwaras, preservation of historical sites, and promotion of religious tourism. In addition, many initiatives have been taken to promote Punjabi language, provide employment to youth, and improve health services. The Aam Aadmi Party government has created new confidence in Punjab through free electricity, better education, and corruption-free administration.

How Are Punjabis Reacting to the Centre-State Face-Off?

The people of Punjab have also supported the government on this issue. Jaswinder Singh, a resident of Amritsar, said, “Bhagwant Mann's government is respecting our sentiments for the first time. Previous governments came only for votes, but this government is fighting for our honor and rights.” 

Simranjeet Kaur, a teacher from Ludhiana, said, “This is not just a matter of name, it is a question of our identity. We want the central government to take it seriously.”

Could This Issue Redraw Punjab’s Political Equations?

Political analysts believe that this issue highlights the growing tension between the center and Punjab. The BJP government is accused of viewing Punjab's issues through a political lens and showing no interest in solving the state's real problems. On the other hand, the Aam Aadmi Party government has proved that it is ready to clash with anyone for the welfare and honor of the people. This attitude is increasing the trust of Punjab's people in the government and could change the political equation in the coming times.

The Punjab government has made it clear that it does everything keeping the interests of the people in mind. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “This fight is not just about a name, but about Punjab's honour and the identity of the Sikh community. And we hope that the central government will soon show sensitivity on this issue and take the right decision.”