CHANDIGARH — During a scheduled “Teerth Yatra” pilgrimage to the Golden Temple on Saturday, a group of Sikh activists and employees of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) approached pilgrims and requested that they remove identification cards bearing the photograph of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The activists also urged the devotees to distance themselves from any political affiliation with the chief minister’s office.
The incident was documented in video footage that quickly circulated on social media, showing the activists standing near the temple’s entry points and holding up the ID cards. In the clips, the activists can be heard telling pilgrims, “Please take off these cards,” and “Do not associate yourself with the chief minister.” Several pilgrims complied, while others appeared confused by the request.
The “Teerth Yatra” is an annual religious tour organized by the SGSGP (Society for the Promotion of Sikh Heritage) that draws thousands of devotees to the holiest Sikh shrine each year. This year’s pilgrimage coincided with heightened political sensitivities in the state, as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Mann, has faced criticism over recent policy decisions and allegations of political patronage in religious affairs.
No official statement has been released by the SGPC or the Punjab government regarding the activists’ actions. A spokesperson for the SGPC declined to comment, citing the need to “maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage.” The Punjab Chief Minister’s office also did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Analysis: The episode underscores ongoing tensions between religious institutions and political authorities in Punjab. While the SGPC is a statutory body tasked with managing Sikh places of worship, it has historically navigated a delicate balance between religious autonomy and state influence. Activists’ demands to remove ID badges featuring the chief minister’s image suggest a perception among some Sikh groups that political symbolism is encroaching on religious spaces. The request may also reflect broader concerns about the politicization of pilgrimages, which can serve as platforms for political messaging. Observers note that similar incidents have occurred in other Indian states where religious gatherings become focal points for political contestation. Without an official response, it remains unclear whether the activists acted independently or with tacit approval from SGPC officials.
Sources
– Hindustan Times, “Teerth Yatra Yojana: Pilgrims at Golden Temple told to remove IDs carrying Mann’s photo,” https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/teerth-yatra-yojana-pilgrims-at-golden-temple-told-to-remove-ids-carrying-mann-s-photo-101783193517438.html
Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
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