NEW DELHI: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly criticized the Modi government for treating Punjab unfairly, alleging that the Centre is trying to weaken the state’s progress.
Speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, he highlighted the delay in releasing Rural Development Funds (RDF), saying, “It reflects the discriminatory attitude of the Union government against Punjab and Punjabis.”
Mann also pointed to the recent landing of a US deportee plane in Amritsar, arguing that it was done deliberately to tarnish Punjab’s image.
“The sole motive was to tarnish the image of the state. The plane carrying deportees is being landed here without any rationale,” he said.
He questioned why the flight wasn’t directed elsewhere, stating, “If the plane carrying former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina can be landed at Hindon airport, then why can’t this plane be taken to any other part of the country?”
The Chief Minister reiterated Punjab’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and agriculture, saying, “Punjab is not a beggar, and we know how to take our rights, for which relentless struggle will be made.”
Mann also accused the Centre of centralizing power and favoring big businesses, warning against the corporatization of politics.
“The Union government has become a puppet in the hands of affluent businessmen, who are being extended largesse,” he stated.
Highlighting Punjab’s recent purchase of the Goindwal power plant from GVK Power, he called it a historic move, adding, “For the first time, this reverse trend has started that a government has purchased any private power plant.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for Punjab’s rights and resisting central interference.
