AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday launched the ‘Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna’, dedicated to the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. Arvind Kejriwal said the AAP government’s unique initiative will take citizens to sacred sites free of cost, where pilgrims will pray for Punjab’s progress, peace, and prosperity.
Addressing a gathering at Sangrur in Punjab, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “We are all celebrating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, and on this sacred occasion, the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna started by the Punjab Government to organise a pilgrimage in his honour is truly commendable.”
Reflecting on the spirit behind the initiative, Arvind Kejriwal said, “It is often said that no child can ever fully repay the debt of their parents. There is only one way to do so — by taking them on a pilgrimage. All of you are our respected elders. We are much younger in age; we are like your children. You all are like our parents. This pilgrimage is meant for our elders, so when we send you on this journey, it feels as though we are sending our parents on a pilgrimage.”
Explaining the arrangements made, he added, “From this village, three buses will depart, with 40 people in each bus. Some might say that we have sent only our party workers, friends, or relatives — but that is not true. Over the last three to four days, officials of the Punjab Government have gone door-to-door, visiting every household, filling registration forms, and preparing slips in front of everyone. The names for this yatra have been selected through a transparent lottery system conducted publicly.”
“This yatra includes people from all political parties — Congress, BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Aam Aadmi Party. We may belong to different political parties, but we are all Punjabis, all brothers and sisters. We have made no discrimination based on caste, religion, or party affiliation. Everyone is welcome,” he asserted.
Highlighting the arrangements made by the Punjab Government, the AAP chief said, “All facilities have been provided by the government. You only need to carry clothes for three days — nothing else. The Punjab Government will take care of everything — food, accommodation, travel. You will be taken from your home in air-conditioned buses, provided tea, breakfast, and three meals a day. At the destination, arrangements have been made for comfortable stays in air-conditioned hotels.”
Detailing the itinerary, he shared, “You will visit Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Mandir, Ram Tirath Ji, and even the Wagah Border. You will also visit the Partition Museum. The government has ensured that you are treated with utmost respect, just like VIPs.”
Expressing his sentiments for those less privileged, Arvind Kejriwal added, “While some have been blessed by God with much, there are many who have not. For them, going on a pilgrimage is a dream — something they cannot afford, either due to financial constraints or the responsibilities that keep them occupied 24 hours a day. For such people, this pilgrimage organised by the government is a golden opportunity.”
Concluding his remarks with a heartfelt appeal, the AAP Supremo stated, “When you go on this pilgrimage, offer your prayers to Guru Maharaj Ji for the progress and prosperity of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann and I do not want anything for ourselves — we only wish that you pray for the development of Punjab. That is our only request to you.”
On the other hand, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna has been launched to facilitate citizens, with around 16,000 pilgrims to be selected from every assembly segment. Devotees will visit Sri Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Temple, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Jallianwala Bagh, the Partition Museum, and other sacred sites in Amritsar, along with Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh.”
Emphasising the inclusivity of the scheme, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The yatra is open to people of all castes, religions, income groups, and regions. It includes a three-day, two-night stay, and devotees aged 50 years and above can register using their voter cards. From each booth, 40 pilgrims will be selected through a draw out of every 100 registered. AC buses, hotel accommodation, and meals will be arranged, with an assistant accompanying each bus.”
He added, “This initiative reflects the teachings of ‘Guru Sahibans’ who preached love, peace, and brotherhood. Many people earlier could not visit these sacred sites due to various reasons, but the government has now started this scheme to help them travel across the state and country. We are also coordinating with the Ministry of Railways for yatras to other states.”
Expressing gratitude, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government feels blessed to be serving the people through this noble initiative. I urge devotees to actively participate in the events, processions, and main programmes being organised across districts and at Sri Anandpur Sahib to commemorate the Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. A detailed programme has already been planned for this historic occasion.”
On this occasion, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia, Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian and Barinder Kumar Goyal, and other dignitaries were also present.
