Launching a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led BJP Government, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday accused it of systematically undermining Punjab’s development and federal rights. Speaking on the floor of Punjab Vidhan Sabha during discussion of resolution on draft policy on agriculture marketing, Mann condemned the stalling of RDF funds, targeting of Punjab in deportation cases, and the growing corporatization of politics under the Union government.
Mann pointed to the recent deportation of Indian nationals from the US, where a flight carrying deportees landed in Amritsar despite most being from other states. “If former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s plane can land at Hindon Airport, why not this one?” he asked, alleging a deliberate attempt to tarnish Punjab’s image.
The Chief Minister reminded the Centre that 80 percent of India's freedom fighters hailed from Punjab, and the state played a pivotal role in India's agricultural self-sufficiency and national security. “Punjab is not a beggar; we know how to fight for our rights,” he said.
Mann also criticized the privatization of national assets, alleging that public sector resources were being handed over to corporate allies of the government at throwaway prices. In contrast, he highlighted Punjab’s historic purchase of the Goindwal power plant from private ownership, marking a rare instance of a state reclaiming an essential resource rather than selling it.
The Chief Minister vowed to continue the fight against Punjab’s marginalization and urged opposition leaders to stand with the state instead of playing into divisive narratives.
Bring Your Own MLAs Together If You Can: Mann Dares Bajwa
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hit back at the Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, ridiculing Congress leaders for claiming that “32 AAP MLAs were in touch with them”, and might switch sides. Mann dismissed the statement as a “media gimmick”, advising Bajwa to stop daydreaming and focus on keeping his own party intact.
Tearing into the Congress leadership, Mann accused them of losing touch with both their party workers and the public. Mann also mocked the Congress party’s internal instability, stating, “Even the seven Congress MLAs in the Assembly can’t stay united, yet they claim to be in touch with our legislators.”