Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahni has strongly criticised protests involving slogans, speeches and placards inside the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib complex, saying that a gurdwara is a sacred place for worship and service, not a venue for political demonstrations.
 

Sahni said Sikh traditions welcome everyone with langar (community meals) and accommodation, irrespective of their background or purpose. However, he stressed that this spirit of generosity should not be misused.
 

Clarifying the sequence of events, the MP said Delhi Police personnel had passed only through the designated route near the shoe-deposit area and had not entered the main gurdwara complex. The incident involving the police personnel took place at around 11 am, while the protesters gathered later, at approximately 1 pm.
 

Sahni expressed concern that slogans were raised and placards displayed inside the premises despite requests from the gurdwara’s sewadars (volunteers) not to do so.
 

He reiterated that peaceful devotees visiting the gurdwara for langar or accommodation were always welcome. However, he said, visitors and protesters must recognise the distinction between receiving humanitarian assistance and turning a place of worship into a site for demonstrations.
 

Sahni emphasised that the sanctity of the gurdwara should be respected and that its tradition of serving humanity should not be used as a reason to hold protests within its premises.