Chandigarh, August 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
AAP Punjab General Secretary and Advisor to the Punjab Government’s Department of Culture and Tourism Deepak Bali on Monday criticised Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi over his remarks describing religious programmes organised by the Punjab Government as “religious ostentation”, saying the comments had hurt the sentiments of people across the state.
Bali said Punjab, known as the land of five rivers, has a long tradition of religious diversity and people belonging to different faiths have lived together while respecting one another’s beliefs and traditions.
He said government programmes commemorating important religious occasions were intended to honour Punjab’s spiritual and cultural heritage and pass its values and teachings on to younger generations.
Referring to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, Bali said the Guru’s sacrifice continues to inspire people with the values of courage, righteousness and standing up for the rights of others.
He also cited programmes marking the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj, including Shobha Yatras, drone shows, documentary screenings in villages and Kirtan Samagams.
“Calling all these programmes ‘ostentation’ (ਅਡੰਬਰ) is not merely a criticism of the government; it hurts the sentiments of millions of devotees,” Bali said.
He defended programmes celebrating Sanatan traditions, including ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ and ‘Hamare Ram’, saying thousands of people participate in them with faith and devotion.
Bali said the ‘Hamare Ram’ programme presents different chapters of the Ramayana and conveys values such as respect for parents and commitment to one’s duties. He said questioning such programmes or suggesting that temples should not be built could hurt the sentiments of millions of people.
He alleged that the Congress leadership’s silence on Gandhi’s remarks raised questions about the party’s position and accused it of attempting to divide Punjab along religious lines.
Bali also criticised Congress leader Deepender Hooda over his reported remarks describing Sajjan Kumar as a role model. He alleged that such statements amounted to glorifying people responsible for violence against innocent people while disregarding religious sentiments.
“The people of Punjab have placed their trust in the Bhagwant Mann government. We will continue organising programmes that celebrate Punjab’s religious and cultural heritage. No individual’s remarks can stop us from doing so,” Bali said.
He said the AAP government would continue promoting Punjab’s religious and cultural traditions and asserted that even larger programmes would be organised if the party returns to power in 2027.
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