Jalandhar, October 24: A controversy has erupted in Jalandhar over posters installed ahead of the Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Ji Shobha Yatra, with representatives of various organisations raising objections to the inclusion of political photographs and party symbols alongside religious imagery. The posters, reportedly put up by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Jalandhar Cantonment constituency in-charge Deepak Bali, featured his photograph and the party's broom symbol alongside an image of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji. The objections eventually led to some of the posters being torn down in protest.
The dispute came to light near the location from where the religious procession was scheduled to begin. Soma Gill, who openly opposed the posters, questioned the use of political promotional material during an occasion of religious significance. He said there was no objection to political leaders or organisations welcoming devotees, installing decorative gates or extending greetings during religious celebrations. However, he maintained that religious images should not be used alongside political party symbols in a manner that could hurt the sentiments of devotees.
Gill alleged that the placement and presentation of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji's photograph on the banners were inappropriate and had caused resentment among members of the community. He emphasised that Bhagwan Maharishi Valmiki Ji holds a deeply respected place in the religious and cultural traditions of the community and that his image should be displayed with dignity. According to Gill, objections to the posters had also surfaced on social media, where several people questioned the combination of religious imagery and political publicity.
Speaking about the controversy, Gill also referred to earlier disagreements involving Deepak Bali. He alleged that certain remarks previously attributed to Bali concerning the community had generated dissatisfaction. Gill claimed that the latest poster controversy had further upset some community members, particularly because it involved a religious occasion attended by a large number of devotees. These allegations represent Gill's account of the dispute and have not been independently established.
Gill acknowledged that he had torn down the posters as a form of protest. He maintained that his actions were intended to register opposition to what he considered an inappropriate presentation of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji's image rather than to target any particular political party. He stressed that religious processions should remain occasions of devotion, respect and community participation, without becoming platforms for political promotion.
The incident has brought attention to the use of religious photographs and political symbols on publicity materials displayed during public celebrations. While political representatives commonly extend greetings on religious occasions, the protesters argued that the presentation of such messages should respect the religious sentiments associated with the event.
At the time of preparing this report, no official statement from Deepak Bali or the Aam Aadmi Party regarding the objections and allegations was available. Their response to the controversy is awaited.
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