Chandigarh, July 23: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann questioned the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s (SGPC) exclusive claim to organise events commemorating Sikh Gurus, asking whether the religious body holds a “copyright” over such occasions. His remarks came amid growing friction between the state government and the SGPC over parallel commemorative events planned for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur.
“Does Guru Sahib belong to them only? Do they have a copyright over it?” Mann asked, while speaking to reporters. “Many NGOs and religious organisations will also observe it. Everybody has a right to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary in their own way.”
The CM’s comments came on the same day SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami reiterated that only the SGPC is authorised to organise religious events of this nature. Dhami, who has objected to the state’s plans to hold official functions, claimed the government’s initiative would clash with the SGPC’s year-long observance.
Mann, however, pushed back, citing what he called the SGPC’s own political entanglements. “When Dhami campaigned during the Ludhiana and Jalandhar bypolls in favour of the Shiromani Akali Dal, was that not political interference?” he asked.
The chief minister also finalised a series of state-level programmes to mark the ninth Sikh Guru’s martyrdom, scheduled to run from November 19 to November 25. The state government has maintained that these events are being planned with reverence and are open to participation by all sections of society.
The SGPC has maintained its position that only it has the religious mandate to lead and organise such observances, pointing to its historical role in safeguarding Sikh traditions and institutions. The growing tension reflects a broader tussle between religious authority and state representation in Punjab’s cultural and religious affairs.
Read more: Mann Govt Plans Guru Tribute; SGPC Sees Overreach
