Ludhiana (August 04,2012): Next to Hukka Bars in Punjab, the Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Badal has another proposal for the state – casinos. Allegedly aiming to boost tourist footfall, Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Badal is said to have ordered the state’s infrastructure development agency, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), to set up a Las Vegas strip-like casino at Mattewara village on the banks of river Satluj near Ludhiana.
American Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee has sharply reacted at Sukhbir’s proposal of introducing Casino culture in Punjab. AGPC head Jaswant Singh Hothi and its convener Dr. Pritpal Singh said in a joint statement that the move is anti-Sikh and awful for the state of Punjab as the gambling is prohibited in the Sikh religion and Sukhbir should not go ahead with this proposal.
“This move is condemnable. We will soon be writing to Akal Takht Jathedar to take notice of this move as it is against the Sikh ethos and principles,” they said, adding that the Sikh Gurus had clearly stated that the gambling is the worst habit which no Sikh should indulge in.
They also said that if Sukhbir goes ahead with this proposal to generate revenue, they would oppose the move at every front.
“The casino culture will bring more ills which are not acceptable to the Sikh society,” said the US based Sikh leaders, adding that the state of Punjab was facing the menace of drugs addiction and the political leaders are failing to protect the youth from falling to the evil and they are introducing more evils, which must be opposed.