Explained: Free Gurbani Telecast Row That Has Sparked Big Row In Punjab

Harmandir Sahib has been, since 1998, broadcasting Gurbani in the morning and evening.

Punjab's Bhagwant Mann-led government today said the broadcast of Gurbani from Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar should be free for all, for which it plans on adding a new section in the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, after presenting a proposal in the state assembly.

Harmandir Sahib has been, since 1998, broadcasting Gurbani in the morning and evening.

Broadcast rights of Gurbani have been with the PTC network, owned by the politically powerful Badal family, since 2007. The network pays the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee -- which administers the Harmandir Sahib -- Rs 2 crore annually for this.

Politically, it is likely to dilute the Panthic aura of the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal, which is dominated by the Badals.