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Bhagat Singh event at Punjab university sparks student backlash
The Punjab government held a music event at a university to remember Bhagat Singh.
The event included performances by Punjabi singers and drew thousands of people.
Students said the university sports ground was not a suitable place for a political event.
They alleged that food service, garbage and a tandoor damaged or endangered the athletics track.
They also complained about loud music, traffic and disruption before exams.
Some people said photographs of Bhagat Singh were left among the waste.
The university said the government event had been officially approved and that workers were cleaning the site.
A Congress politician separately criticized the event’s reported cost and the traffic problems it caused.
The AAP government held the Jashan-e-Inquilab musical evening at Punjab Agricultural University on September 28.
Students and sportspersons alleged that the event damaged the athletics track, trees and sports facilities.
Critics said garbage, disposable plates, spoons and Bhagat Singh photographs remained scattered three days later.
PAU officials said the venue was allotted for an official Punjab government event and cleanup efforts were underway.
Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleged the celebrations involved Rs 9-10 crore in expenditure and caused traffic disruption.
- Who
- The Punjab government and Aam Aadmi Party organized the event; students, sportspersons, morning walkers and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira criticized aspects of it.
- What
- A musical evening called Jashan-e-Inquilab was held to mark Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary, followed by complaints about alleged damage, litter and disruption.
- Where
- Punjab Agricultural University’s football and athletics ground in Ludhiana, Punjab.
- When
- September 28; students said the venue remained littered three days later.
- Why
- The event was organized to mark Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary.
Critics’ concerns
Officials’ response
Use of university grounds
Critics’ concerns
Students, sportspersons and morning walkers said PAU facilities should be reserved for academics and sport, not political events.
Officials’ response
PAU official T S Riar said the venue was allotted on the Ludhiana deputy commissioner’s directions because the event was an official Punjab government programme.
Condition of the venue
Critics’ concerns
Critics alleged that garbage, disposable items and Bhagat Singh photographs remained on the ground, while food service and a tandoor damaged the athletics track.
Officials’ response
PAU acknowledged that the venue required attention and said efforts were being made to clear the mess as soon as possible.
Cost and public disruption
Critics’ concerns
Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleged that Rs 9-10 crore was spent and that traffic congestion affected commuters and ambulances.
Officials’ response
The Aam Aadmi Party spokespersons cited in the report did not respond to repeated calls and messages, so no detailed party response was provided.
Key facts
- Event
- Jashan-e-Inquilab musical evening
- Date
- September 28
- Venue
- Punjab Agricultural University football and athletics ground
- Performers
- Punjabi singers including Kulwinder Billa and Ranjit Bawa
- Attendance
- Thousands attended; critics alleged dinner was served to more than 30,000 people
- Reported complaints
- Litter, alleged track and tree damage, loud music, traffic and police barricading
- Official response
- PAU said the venue was allotted on the Ludhiana deputy commissioner’s directions and cleanup was underway
- Expenditure claim
- Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira alleged spending of Rs 9-10 crore
Quotes
Simranjit Singh Chahal
PAU journalism student and SATH Punjab volunteer
“The venue was allotted on the directions of the Ludhiana deputy commissioner for the event as it was a Punjab government official event. All efforts are being made to clear the mess at the earliest.”
indianexpress.com
“Ludhiana city is badly choked today, even serious patients suffering as ambulances are stuck in traffic jams bcoz of Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s birth anniversary celebrations by @BhagwantMann govt!”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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