BJP MP seeks reopening of Kartarpur Corridor, Amit Shah launches exhibition to mark 25 years of Modi’s public service

Vikramjit Sahney is among the six Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs who recently defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). File. (Photo: instagram/vikramsahney)

Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahney on Wednesday (Oct 28, 2026) said he has urged the Union government to reopen the Kartarpur corridor ahead of Guru Nanak Jayanti next month.

Inaugurated in 2019, the corridor connects two important Sikh shrines – Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district and Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan – and allows pilgrims visa-free access. The corridor has remained closed since the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed. Gurudwara Darbar Sahib is the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday (October 28) inaugurated an exhibition of paintings named after the Prime Minister’s radio program Mann Ki Baat to mark 25 years of Narendra Modi’s public life. The exhibition is organized by the World Punjabi Organization, of which Mr. Sahney is the International President.

Mr. Sahney is among the six Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs who recently defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Punjab goes to polls early next year.

Mr. Sahney told The Hindu after the inauguration that he had raised the issue of reopening the corridor with Mr. Shah, but the government would also have to consider the geopolitical situation.

“The corridor was closed after the Pahalgam terror attack. We have asked the minister to reopen it before Guru Nanak Jayanti next month, but it is the government’s call,” Sahney said.

He said that Mr. Modi should be awarded the Bharat Ratna for his dedication and unconditional service to the nation. “In the past, Prime Ministers were awarded the Bharat Ratna when they were in office. Mr. Modi truly deserves this recognition for his selfless work for the country,” Sahney said.

The exhibition features 76 paintings by artist Manjit Singh depicting 25 years of the Prime Minister’s public service. Mr Shah and Delhi Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who also attended the event, visited the gallery after which a short film on Mr Modi’s public service was screened.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Mr. Sahney described the exhibition as a tribute to the Prime Minister’s enduring commitment to public service and the people of India.

Published – 28 Oct 2026 22:46 IST