'Will face backlash…,' SGPC, SAD leaders warn Punjab CM after bill for free ‘Gurbani’ telecast passed

Punjab Assembly on June 20 passed the Sikh Gurudwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023. It aims to make the broadcast and telecast of ‘Gurbani’ from Golden Temple free for all with no tender required. The bill was presented in the assembly by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. However, the bill has been opposed by SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders. They said that the state government did not have the authority to bring such a bill. SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema also warned CM Bhagwant Mann of facing consequences because of this decision. As per the Punjab government’s release, CM Mann said that this move is aimed at ensuring that Holy Gurbani is not commercialised in any manner.