BJP urges Pakistan not to impose fee on pilgrims visiting Kartarpur Sahib

The BJP has urged Pakistan not to impose the proposed $ 20 fee on pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara. Party's national secretary RP Singh, who himself is a Sikh, said the community would pay at one go whatever amount the Government of Pakistan would want them to pay.

New Delhi: Days after the central government urged Pakistan not to impose the proposed $20 fee on pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, the BJP on Saturday renewed the request and said there should be no charges in the interests of the visitors.

Speaking to ETV Bharat here, BJP national secretary and senior leader RP Singh said: "We understand that Pakistan's economy is not in good shape, and whatever amount was spent on building the corridor could be paid in one go".

"Please let us know the amount that you may have spent on developing the corridor. The Sikh community will pay," he said, urging the Imran Khan government not to impose any fee on the visitors.

On Friday, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also made a personal appeal to Pakistan regarding the same. The Punjab Chief Minister, in a tweet, had said if Pakistan drops the service charge, the world Sikh community will be grateful to the country.

India has also asked Pakistan many times to reconsider its decision on the issue. However, Pakistan has remained firm on the issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the corridor that connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab’s Gurdaspur with Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan on November 8.