PHAGWARA-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.”
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.