Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending the Kartarpur corridor agreement with Pakistan for another five years, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said it was yet another testimony to the PM's care and concern for the Punjabis.
Chugh said it was the result of the PM's efforts that the Kartarpur corridor was opened for devotees for darshan of Guru Nanak Dev ji's gurudwara sahib.
Chugh stated that the renewal of the agreement facilitates uninterrupted pilgrimages, and the government has taken forward the request of pilgrims regarding the removal of the USD 20 service charge levied by the Pakistan government per pilgrim per visit. He added that this move by PM Modi reiterates his love and affection for the Sikh community and respect for the religious sentiments of Sikh brothers and sisters.
Chugh emphasized that the BJP holds the utmost respect for all religious communities, including the Sikh community. Initiatives to honour Sikh heritage have been part of the BJP’s broader commitment to safeguarding religious freedoms. Our honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has taken numerous steps to honour the contributions of the Sikh community to India’s history and culture.
Chugh highlighted various welfare programs and development initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as significant milestones for the Sikh community. He said that over the past decade, the Modi government has undertaken several key initiatives to celebrate Sikhism’s values and promote Sikh welfare. These include commemorating major events such as the 400th Prakash Parv of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the 350th Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The government’s commitment to Sikhism is also evident through measures like exempting GST on Langar and approving FCRA donations. The construction of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, designating of Sultanpur Lodhi as a heritage city, and the establishment of a Guru Nanak Dev Ji chair at a British university demonstrate PM Modi’s dedication to the Sikh community's welfare.
Chugh said, Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has supported Punjab’s development while recognizing the critical role Sikhs have played in India's growth. Initiatives such as ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ have celebrated Punjab's rich cultural heritage. In addition, PM Modi designated December 26 as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to honour the sacrifices of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Under the PRASHAD scheme, 46 projects amounting to Rs. 1,629.17 crore have been sanctioned, including developments at Karuna Sagar Valmiki Sthal in Amritsar and Chamkaur Sahib in Rupnagar. Modi government has also sought justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by establishing a Special Investigation Team (SIT), reopening 300 cases, and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Additionally, the Jallianwala Bagh memorial was restored, and financial assistance was provided to 3,328 victim families. The Citizenship Amendment Act granted citizenship rights in India to Sikhs persecuted in Afghanistan and Pakistan, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting Sikh communities worldwide. Efforts to support Sikhs in Jammu and Kashmir, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express from Anandpur Sahib to Delhi, and the return of Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj’s Swarup from Afghanistan have been commendable.
