The devotional evening in Phagwara turned deeply spiritual on Thursday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann joined devotees in the ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ bhajan sandhya in Kapurthala district. The gathering resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev”, “Bam Bam Bhole” as thousands of devotees came together in devotion. During this, Arvind Kejriwal said that by taking the elderly parents of Punjab on pilgrimage, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had proved himself to be the Shravan Kumar of the modern era, serving every elderly person in the state as his own parent.
The AAP Chief urged the elderly of Punjab to continue showering their blessings on their son Bhagwant Singh Mann, saying that he would continue serving them throughout his life. He also pointed out that no government in Punjab had ever done as much for Sanatan Dharma as the Bhagwant Mann government.
Addressing the bhajan sandhya, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “The Bhagwant Mann government has expanded the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme. The pilgrimage routes to Salasar-Shri Khatu Shyam, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura ji-Vrindavan Dham have now also been started. There is tremendous demand for these pilgrimages and very long waiting lists, so people should get their bookings done in advance. We will take 1.5 lakh devotees on pilgrimage to these destinations.”
Speaking about the redevelopment of the Kali Mata Temple in Patiala, the AAP Chief pointed out, “The Kali Mata Temple in Patiala is being completely redeveloped at a cost of ₹80 crore. The work will also begin around October 10. A very grand and magnificent temple is being constructed there. People have immense faith in Mata Kali and whatever people ask for there, they receive. Therefore, everyone must visit Mata Kali at least once and seek her blessings.”
Highlighting the ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ initiative, Arvind Kejriwal said, “Today, a bhajan sandhya dedicated to Lord Shiva is being organised in Phagwara. Similarly, ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ bhajan sandhyas are being organised in 23 cities across Punjab. The AAP government in Punjab is doing a lot of work for Sanatan Dharma. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and I attend every Shiv bhajan sandhya, and Mann Sahib himself is actively involved in these initiatives.”
Arvind Kejriwal said, “Till date, no party or government has done as much work for Sanatan Dharma as the AAP government is doing.”
During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I am happy that you have come here in such large numbers to participate in this event. Your presence gives confidence to the state government to serve the people with greater zeal and dedication.”
Highlighting Punjab’s spirit of unity and communal harmony, the Chief Minister stated, “Punjab is a fertile land where every seed can germinate except the seed of hatred. The bond of unity is very strong in the state as people celebrate all festivals together.”
Emphasising Punjab’s tradition of communal harmony and freedom, he said, “Punjab is a land of communal harmony and freedom and divisive forces can never succeed here. Though today’s function is dedicated to Lord Shiva, people from all religions are attending it. This reflects the spirit of unity and brotherhood of Punjab.”
Highlighting measures taken in the interest of the common people, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Keeping public convenience as the top priority, the government has shut down 19 toll plazas, resulting in daily savings of approximately ₹70 lakh for the common people.”
Highlighting his government’s initiatives for the welfare of youth, households, farmers and infrastructure, the Chief Minister noted, “More than 69,000 government jobs have been given to the youth in a transparent manner, 90% of households are getting free power, farmers are getting electricity during the daytime, around 44,000 kilometres of roads are being constructed and many more initiatives are being taken for the welfare of the people.”
Speaking about irrigation facilities, he stated, “The canal irrigation system has been improved and there is no shortage of canal water in the state for the agriculture sector.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “From July 1, women have started receiving money directly in their accounts. Under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, every woman is entitled to ₹1,000 per month and women belonging to Scheduled Castes are entitled to ₹1,500 per month. The funds are being directly transferred to bank accounts and women already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible. 97% of women in Punjab are getting the benefit of this scheme and the state government has allotted ₹9,300 crore in the budget.”
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to public welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government is committed to the welfare of the people of Punjab and no stone will be left unturned for it.”
Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal and others were also present on the occasion.
