*Holistic development is the true progress of the nation: From Ram Mandir to Somnath Temple, our beliefs are receiving complete respect – Energy Minister Anil Vij*
*I too have bowed my head and offered prayers at Somnath Temple; the atmosphere there brings immense peace and spiritual satisfaction: Anil Vij*
*Energy Minister Anil Vij addressed people as the chief guest at the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” organized at Hathi Khana Temple in Ambala on the occasion of the 75th Pran-Pratishtha anniversary of Somnath Temple*
Chandigarh, May 11 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi never misses an opportunity to honor the faith and beliefs of the people. Whether it is Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, or other sacred places, all are being given due respect. In the same spirit, on the occasion of the 75th Pran-Pratishtha anniversary of Somnath Temple, the Prime Minister has connected the entire nation through this celebration and is himself present at Somnath Temple for darshan.
Sh. Vij was addressing people today as the chief guest at the “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” organized at the historic Kailash Hathi Khana Temple in Ambala Cantonment on the occasion of the 75th Pran-Pratishtha anniversary of Somnath Temple. During the program, a live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini’s program was also shown.
Energy Minister Anil Vij said that true progress of a nation lies in holistic development — strengthening the economy, infrastructure, public facilities, armed forces, and preserving places connected with our faith and culture. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is paying attention to all these aspects simultaneously.
Sh. Vij shared that he too has visited Somnath Temple and offered prayers there. He said the atmosphere and spiritual peace at the temple provide immense satisfaction and calmness to the mind. He added that in 1951, India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad had performed the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of the temple, and today the 75th anniversary of that sacred occasion is being celebrated.
He said it was a matter of pride that the 75th anniversary celebrations of Somnath Temple were being observed at the historic Kailash Hathi Khana Temple in Ambala Cantonment. He also thanked Saint Baba Manmohan Das Ji for personally participating and making the program successful.
*Somnath Temple is a symbol of our faith and self-respect; that is why foreign invaders repeatedly looted and destroyed it: Anil Vij*
Energy Minister Anil Vij said that the history of Somnath Temple is well known — it was destroyed several times and rebuilt repeatedly. Invaders like Mahmud Ghaznavi, Aurangzeb, and other foreign rulers who came to India were looters who repeatedly targeted Somnath Temple because it represented India’s faith, prosperity, and self-respect. They wanted to attack the nation’s pride and identity, which is why the temple was destroyed time and again.
He added that when India gained independence in 1947, the Somnath Temple was lying in ruins due to repeated invasions. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel then resolved to rebuild the temple in its original grandeur, and with public support, the temple was reconstructed.
*The pillar at Somnath pointing toward the South Pole reflects the advanced geographical knowledge of our ancestors: Anil Vij*
Sh. Vij said that among the twelve Jyotirlingas, Somnath holds the foremost place. Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, there is no landmass between Somnath and the South Pole. He mentioned that a pillar at the temple points directly toward the South Pole, reflecting the deep geographical and astronomical knowledge possessed by India’s ancestors. He remarked that while the West later claimed the Earth was round, India had long referred to it as “Bhu-Gol” (round Earth).
Earlier, upon arriving at the program, Energy Minister Anil Vij offered prayers at Hathi Khana Temple and sought blessings. He was welcomed by Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar and SDM Ambala Cantonment Kanika Goyal. Officials informed that “Somnath Swabhiman Parv” is being celebrated as a year-long national commemorative event from January 11, 2026, to January 11, 2027.
During the occasion, Sh. Vij honored Mahant Saint Mohandas Ji with a shawl and sought his blessings. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar also presented a memento and shawl to welcome the chief guest. Sh. Vij announced a grant of Rs. 21,000 each from his discretionary fund to every school that presented cultural performances during the event.
*Kalash Yatra and exhibition organized*
A Kalash Yatra was also organized in the premises of Hathi Khana Temple as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv celebrations. Additionally, the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department organized an exhibition based on Somnath Temple, which Sh, Vij visited and appreciated.
Several dignitaries, including Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomar, SDM Kanika Goyal, Municipal Council Vice-Chairman Lalta Prasad, BJP leaders Pravesh Sharma, Ravi Budhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Vikas Bahgal, Ajay Baveja, Bijendra Chauhan, Rajeev Gupta, Sanjeev Walia, Shaili Khanna, Narendra Rana, Aarti Sehgal, Mahesh Goyal, Madan Lal Sharma, Shyam Sundar Arora, Anil Nagar, and others were present on the occasion.
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*Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s political house has collapsed; now the BJP lotus will bloom in Punjab – Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij*
*Bhagwant Mann must prove allegations against BJP over blasts, otherwise he has no right to remain in office – Anil Vij*
*Investigating agencies are doing their job; AAP gets uncomfortable whenever action is taken – Vij*
*India has achieved historic progress in Make in India and the defence sector – Vij*
*In times of crisis, restraint and wisdom are essential; PM Modi’s advice is in national interest – Anil Vij*
Chandigarh, May 11 – Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, saying, “I want to tell Bhagwant Mann that his party has already broken apart and his political house has collapsed. It would be better for him to sit at home now because the Aam Aadmi Party is heading towards extinction, and now the lotus of the Bharatiya Janata Party will bloom in Punjab.”
Sh. Vij was responding to questions from media persons in Chandigarh regarding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s brother joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Replying to a question about the BJP’s alleged “Operation Lotus,” he targeted the Aam Aadmi Party and said that “How is it possible that someone commits wrongdoing and agencies take no action? If anyone has even a single example where an innocent person has been falsely implicated, they should present it. Investigating agencies are performing their constitutional duties, but whenever action is taken, the Aam Aadmi Party starts feeling uncomfortable.”
On questions regarding ED raids at the residences of AAP leaders and ministers, Sh. Vij said that courts act on the basis of facts and evidence. Merely making allegations does not make someone guilty or innocent.
Reacting to allegations made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann blaming BJP for the blasts in Punjab, Sh. Vij said that “If a Chief Minister claims that BJP orchestrated the blasts, then he should provide evidence. Bhagwant Mann is not only the Chief Minister but also the Home Minister of Punjab. If he has no proof, then he has no right to continue in office.”
Responding to questions regarding the ongoing war in the Middle East and its impact, the Energy Minister said that international circumstances have certainly created some challenges, but India is not responsible for it. He said that during times of crisis, it is important to act with wisdom and restraint.
Giving an example, he said that “When we were children and there was less vegetable at home, our mother would distribute it equally among everyone. Similarly, when resources are under pressure, we must act with restraint and understanding. The advice given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is absolutely in the national interest.”
Advising Bhagwant Mann to look at the data, Sh. Vij said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved unprecedented progress in the “Make in India” initiative and the defence sector. Today, India is exporting defence equipment to many countries around the world and moving rapidly towards self-reliance.
When asked about his Punjab visit, Sh. Vij said that “We are servants of the party, and I am a very small worker. Whenever the party has asked me to do something, I have obeyed because I believe in working.”
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Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
Chandigarh, May 11 – Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, saying, “I want to tell Bhagwant Mann that his party has already broken apart and his political house has collapsed. It would be better for him to sit at home now because the Aam Aadmi Party is heading towards extinction, and now the lotus of the Bharatiya Janata Party will bloom in Punjab.”
Sh. Vij was responding to questions from media persons in Chandigarh regarding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s brother joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Replying to a question about the BJP’s alleged “Operation Lotus,” he targeted the Aam Aadmi Party and said that “How is it possible that someone commits wrongdoing and agencies take no action? If anyone has even a single example where an innocent person has been falsely implicated, they should present it. Investigating agencies are performing their constitutional duties, but whenever action is taken, the Aam Aadmi Party starts feeling uncomfortable.”
On questions regarding ED raids at the residences of AAP leaders and ministers, Sh. Vij said that courts act on the basis of facts and evidence. Merely making allegations does not make someone guilty or innocent.
Reacting to allegations made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann blaming BJP for the blasts in Punjab, Sh. Vij said that “If a Chief Minister claims that BJP orchestrated the blasts, then he should provide evidence. Bhagwant Mann is not only the Chief Minister but also the Home Minister of Punjab. If he has no proof, then he has no right to continue in office.”
Responding to questions regarding the ongoing war in the Middle East and its impact, the Energy Minister said that international circumstances have certainly created some challenges, but India is not responsible for it. He said that during times of crisis, it is important to act with wisdom and restraint.
Giving an example, he said that “When we were children and there was less vegetable at home, our mother would distribute it equally among everyone. Similarly, when resources are under pressure, we must act with restraint and understanding. The advice given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is absolutely in the national interest.”
Advising Bhagwant Mann to look at the data, Sh. Vij said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved unprecedented progress in the “Make in India” initiative and the defence sector. Today, India is exporting defence equipment to many countries around the world and moving rapidly towards self-reliance.
When asked about his Punjab visit, Sh. Vij said that “We are servants of the party, and I am a very small worker. Whenever the party has asked me to do something, I have obeyed because I believe in working.”