CHANDIGARH, Dec. 24: Days after the Punjab government declared three major Sikh pilgrimage centres as holy cities and imposed religious restrictions, an Aam Aadmi Party MLA on Tuesday joined a cleanliness drive at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, a move that party leaders and residents said reflected the government’s intent behind the decision.
The MLA participated in the drive alongside members of the sangat at the historic site associated with Mata Gujri and the younger Sahibzadas, sweeping the premises and assisting volunteers. The event followed the recent declaration of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib as holy cities by the Bhagwant Mann government.
“This is not a symbolic act,” the MLA told the congregation. “Service on sacred land is part of our responsibility, not just a photo opportunity. The government wants these places to remain clean, dignified and accessible for every devotee.”
The state government has said the holy city status is aimed at preserving the religious character of the towns while improving infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims. Following the declaration, the cities have seen restrictions on the sale of alcohol, designated no-smoking zones and tighter environmental regulations.
Local residents and religious volunteers welcomed the MLA’s participation. “For the first time, we see elected representatives working alongside ordinary people,” said a devotee present at the site. “It sends a message that the decisions taken were not merely administrative.”
Party leaders said the service activity underlined the government’s broader push for cleanliness, religious tourism and heritage conservation, adding that similar initiatives would continue in other holy cities.
