Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh/Amritsar
The impasse between the Punjab Government and the SGPC over the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak continues with the SGPC today rejecting the Chief Minister’s offer to share responsibility for the two functions at Sultanpur Lodhi on November 11 and 12.
SGPC chief Gobind Singh Longowal categorically rejected the proposal put forth by Capt Amarinder Singh, saying the stage on both occasions would be set up by the SGPC. He said only the ‘Panj Singh Sahiban’ (five Sikh high priests) would be allowed there.
Earlier during the day, a delegation of the SGPC, led by Longowal, met the Chief Minister at his official residence in Chandigarh. Capt Amarinder suggested that two functions be organised by the state government and the SGPC. He said the SGPC could hold a function on November 11, which Union Home Minister Amit Shah was expected to attend. The Punjab Government could hold another event on November 12, to be attended by President Ram Nath Kovind.
An official spokesperson said the CM expressed concern over the lack of consensus on a common programme, particularly when high-ranking dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister, were expected to attend. The Chief Minister suggested that the SGPC stage in the gurdwara precincts at Sultanpur Lodhi be used as a common stage on November 11 with the state government also taking part in the celebrations.
