With the Punjab Assembly elections only months away, the Bhagwant Mann-led government’s Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra scheme is quietly emerging as one of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party’s most effective outreach programmes in rural Punjab, cutting across political affiliations and generating considerable goodwill among senior citizens.
Hundreds of residents from Ropar board air-conditioned buses every day, guided by AAP volunteers, to undertake pilgrimages to Amritsar and other religious destinations.
Launched as a flagship welfare initiative, the scheme provides free pilgrimage facilities to Punjab residents aged 50 years and above. The programme was initially rolled out ahead of the last Lok Sabha elections but has witnessed renewed momentum in recent months, coinciding with preparations for the Assembly polls scheduled early next year.
Political observers believe the pilgrimage initiative has become an important part of AAP’s strategy to strengthen its connect with voters, particularly in villages where religious faith remains deeply intertwined with everyday life.
Under the scheme, thousands of pilgrims are being transported in air-conditioned buses to prominent Sikh, Hindu and other religious destinations. The itinerary includes Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib at Anandpur Sahib, Durgiana Temple in Amritsar, Mata Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh and Khatu Shyam Temple in Rajasthan.
The government bears the entire cost of transportation, accommodation, meals, local travel and medical assistance. Pilgrims are also provided travel kits and support staff throughout the journey.
The programme is winning appreciation among many elderly residents.
“The government has done a commendable job. Visiting the Golden Temple had been my wish. Everything was provided free of cost and we were treated with dignity throughout the journey,” said Baldev Singh, a resident of a village near Ropar.
Kamla Devi, another beneficiary from the district, said the scheme had opened doors for many elderly women who otherwise would never have been able to undertake such pilgrimages.
“We travelled comfortably in air-conditioned buses. Food, lodging and other arrangements were excellent. The government deserves appreciation for thinking about common people and senior citizens,” she said.
Government figures indicate that more than 1.10 lakh senior citizens have already benefited from the scheme since its launch.
Political observers say that unlike infrastructure projects, which may take years to show visible results, religious tourism appears to be delivering immediate and tangible benefits.
“The scheme has emotional value. It allows elderly people to fulfil religious aspirations that many had postponed for decades due to various constraints,” said a political observer in Ropar.
The popularity of the programme has encouraged demands for the inclusion of additional destinations. Residents in several villages have reportedly sought pilgrimages to Vrindavan and other important religious centres. Sources in the government indicated that proposals for expanding the list of destinations are under consideration.
Opposition parties, however, view the programme through a political lens. They argue that the renewed emphasis on the yatra ahead of elections is aimed at consolidating support among rural voters and senior citizens.
AAP leaders reject such allegations, maintaining that the programme is designed to fulfil the spiritual aspirations of ordinary citizens and reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive welfare.
As Punjab moves towards another crucial electoral battle, the Mukhyamantri Tirath Yatra has become much more than a pilgrimage programme. It has evolved into a political instrument that blends welfare, faith and public outreach.
Whether the goodwill generated by thousands of satisfied pilgrims translates into votes remains to be seen.
