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All Eyes on Special Vidhan Sabha Session in Anandpur Sahib on November 24, Government Weighs to Mark 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur,

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to make a significant announcement on November 24 during a historic special session of the Vidhan Sabha in Anandpur Sahib. Anticipation and tension continue to build across the region.

Nearly two months ago, the government began actively considering carving out Anandpur Sahib, currently part of Rupnagar (Ropar) district, into a separate administrative unit. The move aim to coincide with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, lending historic and cultural weight to the decision. Anandpur Sahib holds immense spiritual significance in Sikh history as the birthplace of the Khalsa and a major centre of Sikh heritage.

Political Push, Administrative Caution

Sources said Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, the MLA from Anandpur Sahib, has been the strongest proponent of district status for the region. However, concerns over infrastructure gaps — especially after the Punjab and Haryana High Court criticised the government for failing to provide basic facilities in Malerkotla, the state’s 23rd district — have slowed the decision-making process.

A senior official said last week’s Cabinet meeting decided that the special Assembly session on November 24 would focus solely on paying tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur. “We do not know what the Chief Minister will announce during the special session. But all eyes are firmly on CM Bhagwant Mann’s address,” the official added.

He cautioned, however, that creating a new district remains “a long call”. “Where will the infrastructure come from? Look at Malerkotla — even after four years, the administration is struggling to provide essential facilities.”

Protests Erupt in Garhshankar

Even as protests erupt over the proposed inclusion of Garhshankar in the planned Sri Anandpur Sahib district, the Punjab government has yet to formally approve the creation of what would become the state’s 24th district. Meanwhile, opposition to the proposed new district is growing. On Thursday, the Bar Associations of Garhshankar, local traders, and the chamber of commerce held a protest march from the Court Complex to Anandpur Sahib Road, strongly objecting to the inclusion of Garhshankar in the Sri Anandpur Sahib district.

Slogans such as “Stop dividing Garhshankar”, “Long live public unity”, and “Down with the Punjab government” echoed through the town as residents warned that the merger would cause administrative inconvenience. Claiming that Garhshankar is geographically and culturally linked to Hoshiarpur, agitators vowed not to allow its forced inclusion in the proposed district. A half-day market shutdown call was issued in Garhshankar, which received widespread support, as shops remained closed.

High Costs, Complex Calculations

Official estimates suggest that at least ₹500 crore will be needed to establish district headquarters, offices, and supporting infrastructure. Salaries for the new administrative staff alone are expected to cost around ₹18 crore per month. The present Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency consists of nine Assembly seats — Garhshankar, Banga, Nawanshahr, Balachaur, Anandpur Sahib, Ropar, Chamkaur Sahib, Kharar, and Mohali — further complicating the reconfiguration exercise.

With the historic special session just days away, stakeholders across the region are waiting to see whether the Chief Minister will turn Anandpur Sahib’s long-standing demand into an official announcement, despite logistical and political challenges.