Dharmendra Pradhan asks Bhagwant Mann to resign over Sikh Gurus video row
The Union Education Minister said Mann had insulted the Gurus and must step down on moral grounds, as the Akal Takht edict against the Punjab CM deepens the political crisis
Chandigarh, Jun 25 (PTI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday asked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to step down from his position over a controversial video, stating that nobody has the right to disrespect Sikh Gurus.
"It is a matter of faith. We have utmost reverence for Gurus. Nobody has the right to disrespect them. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has insulted them. Whatever direction he has been issued, he will have to face it. He should resign on moral grounds," said Pradhan when asked about the controversial video linked to Mann.
Pradhan was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark the anniversary of the Emergency's imposition.
A political row erupted over an alleged objectionable video over which the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, had issued an edict against Mann on June 15.
The matter stems from the summoning of Mann by the Akal Takht in January this year for allegedly making comments on 'Guru ki Golak' (gurdwara donation box) and indulging in "objectionable activities" with the pictures of the Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in a purported video clip.
The Haryana Police on Tuesday arrested two men on a complaint regarding the alleged procurement of a fabricated forensic report related to a viral video linked to the controversy involving him.
Additionally, Pradhan hailed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)'s move of introducing the 1975-77 Emergency in the Class 9 Social Science syllabus, saying that future generations must read, study and understand the Emergency like 'kale karnamon'.
The NCERT has done the right thing, he said.
Asked about the Congress party's programme 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign to amplify issues related to the nation's education system, Pradhan said the NEET (UG) re-examination was successfully conducted on June 21.
"Some people tried to create fear among students who did not support them. Over 20 lakh students took the exam again. Those who were trying to cause disorder have been disappointed," Pradhan said.
Calling the Emergency the most unfortunate incident that took place post-independence, Pradhan said that the Constitution was altered to 'save the rule of a single family'.
Calling it "black history", Pradhan stressed that the country should never forget the Emergency. "When India is progressing, that kind of mentality is still with some people. Whenever they get any opportunity, they try to break India's system, the Constitution and democracy," he said. PTI