SAD, Sant Samaj to hold separate functions

ANANDPUR SAHIB, Feb 25: Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal headed by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the Sant Samaj, which is rally...

ANANDPUR SAHIB, Feb 25: Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal headed by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the Sant Samaj, which is rallying around suspended Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Sigh, will hold separate conventions here during Hola Mohalla festival.

Representatives from both the camps had approached the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak committee (SGPC) for the allocation of sites near Gurdwara Takht Keshgarh Sahib here. The manager of the gurdwara, Udham Singh confirmed having been approached by the two sides. He disclosed that the Education Minister Tota Singh and the Agriculture Minister Gurdev Singh Badal had approached him personally, seeking allocation of a site for a religious convention.

Adding that SGPC chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra has agreed to allocate a site opposite sarovar to the ruling Akali Dal, he said, the second convention by the Sant Samaj was being held near the police post near the gurdwara.

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Bhai Ranjit Singh is understood to have decided to attend the Sant Samaj conference, though no official confirmation is available to this effect. Speculation is rife among Tohra loyalists that the SGPC chief may not share the dais with Badal. He would instead attend the function to be held Sant Samaj, where Ranjit Singh is expected to be present, sources felt.

In the backdrop of the crisis, which has rocked the ruling Akali Dal, there was a question mark hanging over Tohra’s showing up on the SAD stage during the celebrations. However, Sant Samaj’s decision to hold a separate convention has now almost ruled out this possibility.

Meanwhile, the Anandpur Sahib Urban Development Authority (ADUDA) is giving a facelift to the site of the proposed Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex (KHMC). Though the construction of “Nishan-e-Khalsa” and the Heritage Museum is yet to begin, the ASUDA is planning to display the model of KHMC for the benefit of the pilgrims visiting the place.

Additional Chief Administrator of ASUDA, Jaspreet Talwar disclosed that a structure was being raised at the KHMC site to display the model during the festival.

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The model is a replica of the proposed Nishan-e-Khalsa and the Heritage Museum, which have been designed as part of the Khalsa tercentenary celebrations.

Disclosing about the preprations being made for Hola Mohalla celebrations, Talwar said a parking area with permanent “langar” sheds was almost ready. Apart from new water treatment-plant, the township will have sufficient makeshift urinals and toilets for the devotees.