Badal said the Government headed by him was not an ordinary government but a true representative of the Punjabis and the Panth. As such, it was not only its right but sacred duty to take part in the historic event symbolising the humanistic message of the great Gurus.

Addressing himself directly to the SGPC chief, Badal questioned the advice by Tohra to an Akali Government to stay away from Khalsa celebrations. He said the coming generations would condemn it as the Government which shirked its sacred responsibility.

The Chief Minister said those trying to paint the great Khalsa event as a sarkari show were violating the sanctity of the occasion and guilty of trying to insult the proud Khalsa heritage. ``In theirdesperation, they have even started talking about violence and bloodshed during these celebrations'', he said adding they had forgotten the leading role played by the Akali Dal as a Panthic organisation during the last 80 years.

While appealing to the people of all persuasions to take part in the tercentenary celebrations, Badal described criticism of the role of the government in the festivities as unfortunate and an affront to the spirit of the Khalsa. Those criticising the state government's humble contribution to these programmes were guilty of doublespeak as they were party to all the decisions under which some of the tasks were allocated to the government.

He declared the celebrations would be carried out in unprecedented glory worthy of the Khalsa traditions drawing inspiration and patronage from the holy takhts, apart from the blessings of the religious organisations, personalities and institutions.

Significantly, Badal has issued the statement on the eve of the meeting convened by ``suspended''Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh to chalk out parallel programmes for these celebrations.

``Far from being disheartened by unfair and motivated criticism, the Punjab Government regards the opportunity to take part in these celebrations as a rare honour bestowed on it by the guru'', he said.

He went back to the history and referred to the services rendered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh at the Golden Temple. He said the same people who were describing it as a sarkari show till recently were equating his government with that of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

``Our critics have shut their eyes on reality and are living in a dark zone of self-inflicted bitterness and jealous. .. Even the CPM Government in West Bengal are joining the celebrations... It is amazing that those describing themselves as Panthic leaders want the Akali Dal Government to stay away from it'', the Chief Minister said.