CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has slammed the gathering of Opposition leaders, who he said has a “proven anti-Punjab stance”, in Jalandhar, quipping that “birds of a feather flock together.”
In a statement, CM Mann stated that the history of these political parties reveals their involvement in acts detrimental to Punjab and its people and accused these parties of causing significant losses to the state by jeopardizing its progress and prosperity.
While they have previously protected each other’s interests when in power, Mann claimed that their plans to exploit the state have been thwarted since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stormed to power last year.
Mann highlighted that despite their ideological differences, these leaders have united to vehemently oppose the state government. He pointed out that while their backgrounds may differ, they all have blood on their hands in one way or another, with some having served meals to General Dyer after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and others responsible for rolling tanks in sacred religious places.
The CM expressed disappointment that the meeting included leaders who formulated draconian anti-farmers laws that led to the martyrdom of numerous innocent farmers. He noted the irony that they shared a platform with individuals facing charges of embezzlement in funds designated for memorials honoring the martyrs.
Mann reminded the people of Punjab that these leaders never came together to protect the state’s waters or punish those responsible for the sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Additionally, the chief minister stated that history has shown these leaders rarely joining forces on matters concerning the state, but they have now united solely to protect their own interests. He assured the Punjabi people that these leaders will be held accountable for their actions and forced to return any funds embezzled from the state treasury.
He emphasized that these leaders lack concern for the state’s progress, prosperity, and peace, focusing solely on safeguarding their own interests. He concluded by assuring every Punjabi that justice will prevail.