Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses Centre of Shifting Blame for Chandigarh Grenade Blast
In a sharp rebuke to the central government, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday squarely blamed the Centre for the recent grenade blast outside the BJP office in Chandigarh. Speaking to mediapersons in Sangrur, Mann asserted that a Union Territory under the direct control of the Centre cannot serve as a convenient ground for political blame-shifting.
Demand for Chandigarh Control Amidst Political Tensions
The Chief Minister made these remarks on the sidelines of dedicating a Community Health Center at Cheema village. He expressed frustration over being held responsible for incidents in Chandigarh, despite the UT being administered by the Punjab governor under central jurisdiction. "If I am being held accountable for this incident, then the Centre should hand over Chandigarh to the Punjab government," Mann declared emphatically.
He highlighted a pattern of what he called unfair targeting, noting that the BJP frequently blames him for various issues in Chandigarh, including:
- The ongoing farmers' agitation
- Protests at Panjab University
- Other contentious matters in the Union Territory
"The BJP should refrain from baseless and irrelevant statements on this issue as the area is under the jurisdiction of the administrator of the UT," Mann stated. He pointed out the irony that when Punjab demands control over Chandigarh, it is labeled separatist, yet the Centre avoids its responsibility to maintain law and order there.
Criticism of Himachal Pradesh's Entry Tax Decision
In a separate but equally forceful critique, Mann slammed the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh for imposing an entry tax. He contrasted this move with his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's efforts to reduce financial burdens on citizens.
"On one hand, the AAP government is abolishing the toll tax and giving reprieve to the common man, on the other hand, these people are levying undue taxes on people," he said. Mann described the tax as completely unwarranted and undesirable, vowing that it will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will be opposed tooth and nail.
Commitment to Farmers' Issues and Wheat Procurement
Turning to agricultural concerns, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to addressing farmers' issues. He pledged to flag the genuine demands of arhtiyas (commission agents) with the Union government, noting that these matters have been repeatedly raised with the Centre and will be presented again.
"The AAP is firmly committed to ensuring smooth and hassle-free procurement of wheat, benefiting the farmers," Mann assured, emphasizing his administration's focus on supporting the agricultural community amidst ongoing challenges.
