CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 25 — Aam Aadmi Party General Secretary and Cultural Advisor Deepak Bali strongly condemned statements by Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi regarding religious and cultural events hosted by the Punjab government. Responding to Gandhi’s description of these initiatives as ostentatious, Bali asserted that official programs are designed to celebrate the state’s multi-faith heritage.
“Calling all these programmes ‘ostentation’ is not merely a criticism of the government; it hurts the sentiments of millions of devotees,” stated Deepak Bali. He affirmed that the administration commemorates historical milestones, including the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj, to teach fundamental values to younger generations.
Bali maintained that cultural initiatives celebrating Sanatan traditions, such as ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ and ‘Hamare Ram’, draw thousands of participants and foster mutual respect among communities. He stated that depicting traditional epics like the Ramayana imparts essential ethical values, such as duty and respect for elders.
Criticizing opposition figures for attempting to divide the populace along religious lines, the advisor declared that public support remains behind the government’s cultural conservation efforts. He affirmed that the administration will continue organizing state-wide heritage celebrations in the future.
