Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Khalsa Chowk in Alambagh on Sunday. The intersection was previously known as Tedhi Pulia. 

The chief minister addressed a programme organised on the occasion to commemorate Jyoti Jyot Diwas of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism and founder of Khalsa Panth. While congratulating people, the chief minister took a dig at the ‘iftar’ parties organised in the CM office during the tenure of the erstwhile Samajwadi Party government in the past.

He said that earlier, other types of events were organised in the CM office of Uttar Pradesh. “After the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, a grand celebration of the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was organised in the CM office,” he said.

He added that Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj had established the Khalsa Panth in 1699 to protect the religion and culture of India from foreign invaders. “Khalsa Panth has always played a leading role in the defence of the motherland,” he said, adding: “The sacrifice and dedication of Sikh Gurus inspire us all to protect our country and religion.”

“The history of Sikh Gurus reminds us of the glorious saga of India,” Yogi said.

He paid tribute to the Sikh community’s tradition of sacrifice, dedication, devotion to religion, and service to society.

“In the coming days, we will get the opportunity to participate in many programmes,” he added.

The chief minister mentioned upcoming celebrations, including the sacred martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 24, Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev on November 27 (on Kartik Purnima), and Birbal Day on December 26. He urged everyone to take pride in their history.

In the programme, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Minister of State Parmindar Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Gurudwara Committee head Rajendra Singh Bagga, and chief of Gurudwara Shankarnagar (Alambagh) Sardar Manmohan Singh Sethi, along with other members of the Sikh community, were present on the occasion.