The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to make a significant decision during the cabinet meeting today (June 20).
In an announcement on Twitter, CM Mann revealed that a new amendment will be introduced to the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925, eliminating the requirement for tenders and making the broadcast of Gurbani at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar freely accessible to all.
Currently, the right to broadcast Gurbani from Harmandir Sahib is held by the politically influential Badal family-owned PTC network.
There is a belief that the decision to make the broadcast of Gurbani free could have political implications by potentially reducing the dominance of the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal. Previously, when Bhagwant Mann proposed this idea, it faced strong opposition from the SGPC, the Badals, and the Akali Dal.
In response, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami stated, "Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann ji stay away from interfering in the religious affairs of Sikhs. Do not mix the country's interests with your political agenda. The broadcasting of Gurbani holds significance beyond a regular broadcast. Its sacredness and ethical aspects should not be disregarded."
Mann's announcement drew sharp criticism from the opposition in Punjab, including Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira. Khaira argued that the state government does not possess the authority to make amendments to the Central Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925.
Daljit Singh Cheema of the Akali Dal also strongly criticized the move, labeling it as "unconstitutional" and a "direct interference in the religious activities of the Sikh community."
