Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday launched the four-day ‘Shukrana Yatra’ from Anandpur Sahib, a political outreach programme aimed at highlighting the passage of the anti-sacrilege law by the Punjab Government.
The newly passed law provides for criminal punishment in cases involving sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. The yatra, which began from Anandpur Sahib today, will traverse across Punjab over the next four days and conclude at Fatehgarh Sahib on May 9.
Addressing supporters during the yatra, Mann targeted his political opponents over their opposition to the legislation. “We consider Guru Granth Sahib as our father. I am fortunate that the Guru granted me the power to punish those who commit sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib. Many people opposed it. Earlier they were demanding such a law, but now they are opposing it. Those opposing it are themselves involved in sacrilege cases. Now cases will be registered against them,” he said.
The Chief Minister started the programme by paying obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib before proceeding with the yatra. A rally had been organised at a small venue below the Takht at Ravidas Chowk in Anandpur Sahib.
Though the programme was scheduled to begin at 10 am, the Chief Minister reached around 11.30 am. Due to the delay, he did not address the rally organised at Ravidas Chowk. Party workers who had gathered at the venue were later brought onto the roadside to hear him during the procession.
AAP workers present during the programme were seen praising the Chief Minister for bringing the anti-sacrilege legislation. Several supporters carried banners bearing the slogan “Mann Nahi Rehan Terian” (Mann, there was nobody like you), projecting Mann as the leader responsible for enacting the law.
The Chief Minister’s convoy moved through Kiratpur Sahib, Bharatgarh and Ropar before heading towards Nawanshahr district. A mini truck fitted with loudspeakers moved ahead of the cavalcade playing religious hymns, followed by vehicles carrying the Chief Minister and other party leaders.
Meanwhile, most shops and roadside vends in the areas where the rally was held remained closed due to security arrangements. Several shopkeepers complained of loss of business because of the restrictions imposed during the event.
Party leaders said the ‘Shukrana Yatra’ would be used to reach out to people across the state and highlight the government’s stand on sacrilege, an issue that has remained politically and emotionally sensitive in Punjab for years.
