Amritsar Sahib Chosen as Venue for Crucial Gathering, Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Chair the Meeting

CHANDIGARH: Punjab is set to host the significant meeting of the Inter-State Council of Northern States, a gathering crucial for discussing pending inter-state issues. The historic city of Amritsar Sahib, a revered religious place for Sikhs worldwide, has been chosen as the venue for this vital meeting. Scheduled for September 26, the meeting will be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's focus on Amritsar, particularly ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, carries notable political implications.

In preparation for Mission 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been strategically engaging with Sikh leaders, aiming to strengthen its foothold in Punjab. The upcoming inter-state council meeting offers Punjab an opportunity to strongly advocate for its pending inter-state issues. Given the proximity to the elections, the state could potentially gain advantages from this gathering.

During the previous meeting held in Rajasthan, Punjab's representatives, Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Harjot Singh Bains, raised various concerns, including the contentious issue of the SYL canal. In the upcoming meeting in Amritsar, Punjab is expected to strongly assert its stance on the capital, Chandigarh, among other pressing issues. The Representation of Punjab in the Bhakra Board (BBMB) and the allocation of land to Haryana for the capital will be discussed thoroughly.

Issues such as the SYL Canal raised by Haryana and water demands from Rajasthan will also find prominence during the meeting. The North Zone Inter-State Council aims to facilitate discussions and resolutions on inter-state issues, fostering collaboration among the participating states.

In a related development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's ongoing discord with Governor Banwari Lal Purohit has gained attention. Notably, The governor had planned a visit to border districts from September 20 to review drug and security concerns. However, this visit has been postponed due to the crucial council meeting in Punjab. The governor intends to avoid any unfavorable impressions in the presence of the Union Home Minister. The visit is now rescheduled post the meeting, demonstrating the significance attached to the gathering.