New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a national level meeting to commemorate the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Congress' Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge urged him to find a solution to farmers' issue, regarding the three contentious farm laws.
While addressing the meeting, the Congress leader said, "The farmers' movement in the country has been going on for 133 days. Farmers of this country also represent the Guru and we have the largest participation of farmers from Punjab. The Prime Minister said he was just a phone distance away. This doesn't seem to be true."
He further said, "I urge the Prime Minister to take the initiative to find a solution by paying immediate attention to the demands of the farmers. With this, the 400th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be celebrated with more enthusiasm."
Kharge also suggested that on the occasion, Covid-19 vaccination campaigns can be organised in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur in all cities.
Asserting over the fundamental rights of citizens and the need for indiscrimination in the society, Kharge said, "I want to draw attention to Article 19 of the Constitution of India which gives the fundamental right to freedom of thought, belief and religion and it reflects the great thoughts of Guru Sahib."
"The foundation of Sikhism was laid by Sri Guru Nanak Dev. All the Guru Sahibans continued to embrace the deprived and Dalit sections of the society and their campaign against discrimination. People of all castes and sects found their place in the Guru's langar. The doors of the Gurudwaras were open to all, everyone could bathe in the ponds. This contributed to the elimination of untouchability in a big way," he added.
The Congress leader urged the Central Government to contribute to the schemes launched by the Punjab Government to celebrate the occasion of the 400th Birth Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
He informed that Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has made a detailed plan in this regard. A logo has also been released. On behalf of the tourism and cultural affairs, a plan has been made for the development of Amritsar, his ancestral home Baba Bakala and the city of Shri Aanandapur Sahib, founded by him.
"The publication of books to publicize the life and history of Gurusaheb is also distributed to congregation in several cities including Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai. The work of publishing books to popularise the life and history of Gurusaheb. The Central Government should help these schemes with open heart," he said.
During the meeting, the Punjab Chief Minister also urged the Prime Minister to clear the state government’s proposal of launching various projects worth Rs 937 crores, which includes the development of Sri Anandpur Sahib as a Smart City and to pay befitting tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Besides PM Modi, the High-Level Meeting was also attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The committee has a total number of 70 members and PM Modi is the Chairman.
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