Patiala, October 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab in-charge and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia visited the famous Mata Sri Kali Devi Temple in Patiala on the first day of the Ashwin Navratri and sought the blessings of the goddess.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh, MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Mayor Kundan Gogia and members of the temple's advisory committee accompanied him.
Sisodia participated in havan and religious rituals with AAP leaders and prayed for the happiness, prosperity, peace and progress of the people. He also extended Navratri greetings to devotees across the country.
During the visit, Sisodia joined the Health Minister and other AAP leaders in hoisting the new flag installed at the temple. He subsequently participated in Kanya Pujan at the newly constructed langar hall and served food to devotees.
Sisodia also prayed for Bhagwant Singh Mann to become Chief Minister of Punjab again, expressing the hope that the AAP government would return to power in the next elections and that the efforts of party leaders would bear fruit.
Sisodia praises temple renovation work
Speaking about the ongoing construction and renovation at the temple, Sisodia said, “It is a matter of good fortune for the Aam Aadmi Party that Mata Kali has given our government the opportunity to serve by renovating this sacred temple.”
He said the temple's appearance would improve further over the coming days. Describing it as a Siddh Peeth, a revered spiritual centre, he noted that devotees from across the country visit the temple to offer prayers.
The Punjab government would make every possible arrangement to ensure the convenience of pilgrims, he added.
AAP leader targets Modi government
Speaking to reporters, Sisodia criticised the Narendra Modi-led Central government and appealed to Mata Rani to bless it with wisdom.
He demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained in power but had lost the support of people's hearts.
Commenting on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Election Commission and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Sisodia alleged that these institutions were being used as instruments to win elections and secure political advantages.
Devotees appreciate renovation work
Temple committee member CA Ajay Alipuria said that despite heavy rainfall, devotees sat in the newly developed corridor around the temple's sacred pond and appreciated the renovated premises.
He said devotees had welcomed the pace of the renovation work being carried out by the government.
Those present included Mahesh Mittal, chairman of the temple's advisory management committee; CA Ajay Alipuria; Dr Raj Kumar Gupta; Sanjay Singla; AAP district president Navaldeep Singh; Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal; and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anuprita Johal, along with other dignitaries.
A large number of devotees visited the temple on the first day of Navratri to seek the blessings of Mata Rani.
