Bajwa condemns Mann government for dishonoring sikh icon Jassa Singh Ahluwalia

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Leader of the Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, strongly condemned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for attempting to undermine Sikh heritage by renaming the historic Katra Ahluwalia Chowk to "Jalebi Wala Chowk" in Amritsar. Bajwa urged the AAP government to issue an apology and promptly restore the Chowk’s original name, preserving the honor of Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, a revered Sikh leader from the 18th century.

Describing the move as “highly shameful,” Bajwa emphasized that Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was not only the Supreme Commander of the Dal Khalsa but also served as the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the head of Budha Dal. In 1761, he led the Sikhs to conquer Lahore, earning the highest honor in the Panth, "Sultan ul Qaum." Ahluwalia united the Sikh Panth under the inspiration of tenth Guru Gobind Singh Singh Ji Maharaj and laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Golden Temple after its destruction in 1762 by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Bajwa highlighted that Ahluwalia’s legacy includes banning cow slaughter in Lahore and establishing a Sikh administration that was respected and admired as both courageous and compassionate. “It is inconceivable that CM Mann’s government would choose to diminish the memory of such a revered figure,” Bajwa remarked. “This decision demonstrates both a profound ignorance of Punjab’s history and a troubling insensitivity towards Sikh sentiments.”

Bajwa further criticized Mann’s reliance on non-Punjabi advisors, questioning their understanding of Punjab’s culture and heritage. “This is the predictable outcome of an administration guided by outsiders with little knowledge of Punjab’s rich history. Instead of working toward a vibrant Punjab, the AAP government is tarnishing its cultural heritage.” The decision has sparked dismay among Sikh intellectuals and historians globally, with Bajwa noting that such a “disrespectful act” has left the Sikh Panth anguished. He called upon the AAP government to recognize the error, honor Punjab’s heritage, and restore Katra Ahluwalia Chowk’s name to commemorate the legacy of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.