August 2026 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal attended the “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam” devotional evening organised in Ludhiana. Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal said that along with the people of Punjab, Lord Shiva had also blessed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to become the Chief Minister of the state once again.
Kejriwal said public confidence in Bhagwant Mann’s leadership had increased further. He claimed that the Mann government was earning goodwill by facilitating pilgrimage tours for senior citizens to religious places. He also said that no government had done as much for Sanatan Dharma as the Bhagwant Mann government.
He said this was one of the reasons why the “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam” devotional programme being organised across 23 cities of Punjab had become a major attraction.
Addressing the large gathering that had assembled for the devotional programme, Kejriwal said women who had received messages confirming that money had been credited to their bank accounts were extremely happy. He added that those who had not yet received the messages would also receive the money in their accounts soon.
Kejriwal narrated the example of a girl from a poor family who was pursuing a beautician course. She had asked her father to buy her a hair dryer, but he did not have enough money. According to Kejriwal, the girl received financial assistance from the Bhagwant Mann government in her bank account at that time and was able to purchase the hair dryer herself.
He said the scheme had brought happiness to mothers, women and girls across Punjab. He also claimed that many people in the state were now receiving zero electricity bills.
Kejriwal said people wanted Bhagwant Mann to return as Chief Minister and the AAP government to be re-elected in Punjab.
Three New Routes Added to Pilgrimage Scheme
Kejriwal said the Bhagwant Mann government had organised the “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam” programme on a large scale. Events are being held in 23 cities, with large crowds gathering to participate in devotional performances alongside singer Kailash Kher.
He said the Chief Minister’s pilgrimage scheme earlier had two major routes. Under one route, pilgrims travelled to the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, Valmiki Temple and the Wagah Border. The second route covered Anandpur Sahib and Naina Devi.
Three new routes have now been added to the scheme, covering Khatu Shyam-Salasar, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura-Vrindavan.
Kejriwal said travel, food and accommodation for pilgrims were provided free of cost. Pilgrims travel in air-conditioned luxury buses and are provided accommodation in air-conditioned hotels.
He claimed that no government or political party had done as much for Sanatan Dharma as the Bhagwant Mann government.
Patiala Kali Temple Redevelopment
Kejriwal also highlighted the importance of the Mata Kali Temple in Patiala, saying it was a highly revered religious site where devotees traditionally believed their wishes were fulfilled.
He said the Bhagwant Mann government was spending ₹80 crore on the redevelopment of the temple and that the project was expected to be completed by October 10. He appealed to devotees to visit the temple after the redevelopment work is completed.
Kejriwal also said the Punjab government was organising a theatrical production titled “Hamare Ram” across the state. He described the production as an impressive presentation of the story of Lord Ram and said audiences had responded enthusiastically.
According to Kejriwal, the play would soon be staged in Ludhiana, where tickets would be provided free of charge. He claimed that tickets for the same production had cost as much as ₹8,000 in Delhi, whereas the Punjab government had decided to make them free for residents of the state.
Kejriwal reiterated that the Punjab government was placing significant emphasis on religious tourism, cultural programmes and initiatives associated with Sanatan traditions. He said the combination of welfare schemes, pilgrimage programmes and cultural initiatives was strengthening the government’s connect with the people of Punjab.
