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Politics
Congress MP Dharmveer Gandhi’s Tax‑on‑Pilgrimage Post Sparks Political Row in Punjab
✍️ Amar Ujala · Patiala
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 10:48 AM
👁 1
A post by Congress MP Dharmveer Gandhi claiming that tax money should not fund religious pilgrimages has triggered a political controversy in Punjab, with opposition demanding a response from the party.
Earlier this week, Congress MP Dharmveer Gandhi shared a message on social media stating that taxpayers' money should not be spent on religious pilgrimages. The post, which referenced the allocation of public funds for faith‑based travel, quickly caught the attention of political observers in Punjab.
The statement sparked an immediate backlash from opposition parties and regional leaders, who accused the MP of politicising a sensitive issue. Several Punjab legislators and local party units demanded a formal clarification from the Congress leadership, arguing that the comment could inflame communal sentiments.
The Congress party has so far refrained from issuing a detailed reply, issuing only a brief statement that it respects diverse religious practices and that any allocation of funds follows constitutional guidelines. Party officials said they are reviewing the MP's remarks before responding.
The episode adds to ongoing debates in India about the use of public money for religious activities, a topic that has seen periodic scrutiny in parliamentary discussions and media reports.
The statement sparked an immediate backlash from opposition parties and regional leaders, who accused the MP of politicising a sensitive issue. Several Punjab legislators and local party units demanded a formal clarification from the Congress leadership, arguing that the comment could inflame communal sentiments.
The Congress party has so far refrained from issuing a detailed reply, issuing only a brief statement that it respects diverse religious practices and that any allocation of funds follows constitutional guidelines. Party officials said they are reviewing the MP's remarks before responding.
The episode adds to ongoing debates in India about the use of public money for religious activities, a topic that has seen periodic scrutiny in parliamentary discussions and media reports.