On a roll,Badals take ‘heritage’ road to polls

Badal,who had invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the inauguration ceremony – a move that later alleged was derailed by the opposition Congress – had lined up a virtual who’s who from the spiritual,religious and political realms and included Art of Living Foundation chairman Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,Asaram Bapu,Shankaracharya,BJP national president Nitin Gadkari,MDMK leader Vaiko and religious heads of Sikhs.

Taking the heritage road to polls,Badal said,“To be remembered,history has to be cast in contemporary style. It is only then that the young generation will be keen to know it. The inauguration of Virasat-e-Khalsa is the first in the series of heritage complexes to be dedicated to humanity in the coming days to showcase the rich Sikh heritage. Three more Sikh monuments will be dedicated to the people in the coming days – Wada Ghalughara (holocaust),Chhota Ghalughara and finally Chappar Chiri on November 30,” Badal said.

Chhota Ghalughara Memorial will be inaugurated in Khanuwan Chamb in Gurdaspur district on November 28,Wadda Galughara memorial at Kup Rahera in Sangrur district on November 29 and Baba Bandha Singh War Memorial at Chhapar Chiri in Mohali district on November 30.

“Nearly 35,000 Sikhs were killed in the 1761 Sikh holocaust. But we had created nothing in their memory. In 1746,thousands of Sikhs were killed in the Chotta Ghalughara. The third monument will be unveiled at Chappar Chiri where great Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur fought a fierce battle with Nawab Wazir Khan of Sarhind province,” Badal said,adding,“this is ittehad-e-ishq (love for the God).”

It was then time for politics. Badal hit out at the entire Congress leadership of the state for “dissuading” the Prime Minister from participating in today’s historic function. “It was my keen desire to get this world class project dedicated to the nation by an eminent personality of his stature.” Pointing out at complete absence of Congress leaders from the function,he said, “Despite us extending personal invitations to all the MLAs and Members of the Parliament,they did not participate in the function. They have virtually boycotted it. These leaders owe an explanation to the public for this unsavory behaviour,” he added.

While concluding his speech,the CM did not miss the opportunity to strike an emotional chord with voters,hinting that it may be his last poll battle.

“I am at an age when God can call me anytime. I seek his forgiveness for whatever wrong I may have committed and his blessings for giving us more time to serve the people and execute his wishes,” he said.