Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
A major controversy has erupted in Jalandhar over the upcoming “Balaji Ki Chowki” religious programme being organised by the Shri Kasht Nivaran Balaji Mandir Committee.
Police on Wednesday night stopped decoration, tent and lighting work at the Sai Dass School Ground, where the event was scheduled to take place. The programme had announced the participation of renowned bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal, generating significant excitement among devotees.
As news of the police action spread, BJP leaders Sheetal Angural, KD Bhandari, former minister Manoranjan Kalia, Congress urban president Rajinder Beri and members of the temple committee rushed to the venue. Supporters raised slogans against the government and police administration while staging a protest at the site.
Former minister Manoranjan Kalia and Sheetal Angural alleged that the Hindu religious program was being deliberately targeted, calling it an injustice to Hindu sentiments and faith.
Meanwhile, amid the escalating dispute, MLA Raman Arora announced that he was returning his government security in protest against the police action. In a Facebook post, he termed the move to stop the religious event as wrong, further intensifying the political atmosphere in Jalandhar.
However, BJP leaders claimed that all mandatory approvals from the fire brigade, electricity department and municipal corporation had already been secured. BJP leader KD Bhandari further alleged that the Police Commissioner cited objections due to a case reportedly registered against bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal.
The temple committee has made it clear that the program will not be cancelled under any circumstances. Committee members announced that if permission is denied inside the ground, devotees will sit on the road and continue singing praises of Balaji Maharaj.
On Thursday morning, BJP leaders, temple committee members and local residents began a sit-in protest outside Sai Dass School Ground. Despite the tense atmosphere, decoration work resumed at the venue and large posters of Kanhaiya Mittal were installed. Organisers insist that the program will take place as scheduled at 6:30 PM.
Responding to the controversy, ADCP-1 Akarshi Jain said the preparations were stopped because organisers did not have official permission for the event. An ACP-level officer also stated that MLA Raman Arora had been asked for the permission letter for the past two days but failed to provide the required documents.
