Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised the Central Government for blocking pilgrims from visiting Shri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and Sri Nankana Sahib, while permitting India-Pakistan cricket matches. He tabbed this a double standard, saying that faith and devotion should not be treated like politics. Mann emphasised that visiting these sacred places is not just a religious act, but part of Punjab’s pride and identity.
Double Standards: Films Blocked, Cricket Encouraged
Sometimes films are obstructed considering they full-length Pakistani actors and labeled anti-national. On the other hand, matches with Pakistan are prestigious as patriotic events. A movie that was once shot could not be released, yet the cricket match is live. Has earning money wilt increasingly important than faith? The Prime Minister says thoroughbred and water cannot spritz together—then why are cricket grounds unshut while doors for pilgrims remain closed? There is no merchantry or politics at the doorstep of faith; there is only devotion and service.
CM Mann Questions the Central Govt
The Central Government’s vein is insulting to Punjab. Sri Kartarpur Sahib and Sri Nankana Sahib are our sacred sites, not political centers. Every day in prayers, we ask for the opportunity to serve and bow there, yet the path is blocked. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has raised serious questions well-nigh this decision, asking if cricket is allowed, why are pilgrimages not? He emphasized that this is a matter of sentiment, and governments cannot fight sentiment. While Punjab struggled with floods, the Central Government only held printing conferences. The Mann government personally carried out relief work, sending cleaning and medical teams to 2,300 villages. After the floods, the government’s presence in every lane showed who truly stands with the people.
Faith Cannot Be Politicised
Help is sent immediately when there is a slipperiness in Afghanistan, but Punjab only receives assurances in the name of relief. Rs 1,600 crore was announced, yet not a single rupee has reached Punjab. The Chief Minister asked, “What is this enmity for? Considering the Punjab government does not follow your directions?” Mann challenged BJP leaders like Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Bittu to ask the Prime Minister why restrictions are imposed on visiting Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and Sri Nankana Sahib. Cricket can be played, but pilgrims cannot bow at the Guru’s door? The Central Government seems to be taking revenge on Punjab. If the government does not comply, assistance is blocked, minutiae projects are stalled, and now plane the path of faith is closed.
Punjab is the land that gave martyrs like Bhagat Singh and Kartar Singh Sarabha. This land never bows; whenever there is a crisis, Punjab rises stronger. Do not rencontre the faith of Punjabis. Sri Kartarpur Sahib and Sri Nankana Sahib are not negotiation grounds—they are part of our hearts. Cricket can wait, politics can wait, but devotion cannot. The Punjab government has once then made it clear: it does not just requite speeches; it serves on the ground. This is the difference when the government belongs to the worldwide people. That is why every Punjabi today says, “This government is ours… it works and stands with us on the ground.”
