The issue surfaced after AAP MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged the Centre to rename Veer Bal Diwas. The demand is rooted in Sikh religious history. Punjab leaders say the current name does not fully reflect Sikh sacrifice. They believe sentiments are being overlooked. The Mann government backed the MP openly. This has turned into a political and cultural debate. Punjab’s identity is at the centre.
What Did MP Seechewal Say In Letter?
In his letter, MP Seechewal stressed national recognition of the Sahibzades’ martyrdom. He said the four Sahibzades’ sacrifice defines Sikh history. According to him, the name Sahibzade Shahadat Diwas is more appropriate. He argued that naming reflects respect. Religious feelings must be considered seriously. The MP urged sensitivity from the Centre. He called it a matter of faith. The letter has gained wide attention.
How Is Mann Government Responding?
The Bhagwant Mann government has fully supported the demand. Leaders say Punjab’s heritage cannot be diluted. The government accused the Centre of ignoring Sikh voices. Officials said AAP will raise Punjab’s issues strongly. The government claims this reflects its commitment to Sikh values. It has framed the issue as cultural respect. According to AAP, this is non-negotiable. The stand has sharpened Centre-state tensions.
What Has Government Done For Sikh Causes?
Over the past two years, the Punjab government has launched several initiatives. Development of Gurdwaras has been prioritised. Historical Sikh sites are being preserved. Religious tourism has received support. Punjabi language promotion is another focus. The government highlights these steps to show intent. It claims consistent respect for Sikh traditions. These actions are cited to strengthen its argument. AAP says words and actions align.
What Are People In Punjab Saying?
Public reaction across Punjab has been supportive. Many citizens say their sentiments are finally being voiced. Residents feel past governments ignored such issues. Teachers, workers, and youth have spoken up. They believe naming matters deeply. For them, it reflects identity. Social media discussions have intensified. Many want the Centre to respond positively. The issue has emotional weight.
How Do Analysts View This Clash?
Political analysts see rising Centre-Punjab friction. They say the BJP views Punjab politically. AAP is positioning itself as Punjab’s defender. Analysts believe this strengthens AAP locally. It could reshape political equations. The issue goes beyond symbolism. It touches religion and federal relations. Experts say the Centre’s response will be crucial. Silence could escalate tensions further.
What Did Bhagwant Mann Say Clearly?
ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਭਗਵੰਤ ਮਾਨ ਨੇ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਸਨਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਲੜਾਈ ਕਿਹਾ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਰਾਜਨੀਤੀ ਬਾਰੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਸਿੱਖ ਪਛਾਣ ਅਤੇ ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਬਾਰੇ ਹੈ। ਮਾਨ ਨੇ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਵੇਦਨਸ਼ੀਲਤਾ ਦਿਖਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਅਪੀਲ ਕੀਤੀ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਸਕਾਰਾਤਮਕ ਫੈਸਲੇ ਦੀ ਉਮੀਦ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਈ। ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਕਿ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਹਟੇਗਾ। ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ, ਵਿਸ਼ਵਾਸ ਦੀ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਕਰਨਾ ਸ਼ਾਸਨ ਹੈ। ਸਰਕਾਰ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਦੇ ਜਵਾਬ ਦੀ ਉਡੀਕ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਬਹਿਸ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਪੱਧਰ ‘ਤੇ ਜਾਰੀ ਹੈ।
