Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of using the rollout of a welfare scheme to divert public attention from serious controversies. Speaking in Delhi, Jakhar claimed that the government's immediate implementation of the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana was a deliberate attempt to shift focus away from the anti-sacrilege law controversy and allegations involving the Chief Minister.
Jakhar alleges diversion tactics
Jakhar stated that whenever the AAP government faces a credibility crisis, it tries to divert public attention rather than addressing the issue at hand. He pointed to the recent controversy surrounding the death of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, district manager of the Punjab Warehousing Corporation, and allegations involving Punjab minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. According to Jakhar, the government enacted the anti-sacrilege law without proper discussion, and even AAP legislators passed the legislation without reading it. He claimed that the Sikh Panth did not accept the law.
Criticism of the Satkar scheme
Jakhar alleged that the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, which provides financial assistance of Rs 3,000, was originally planned for launch closer to the elections but was rushed to divert attention from the government's failures. "The government's decision to immediately implement the scheme is another attempt to divert public attention from the act of disrespect and the government's negligence in introducing the legislation," he said.
Religious undertones in criticism
Quoting Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji from Sri Japji Sahib, Jakhar said that while dirt on the body and clothes can be washed away with water and soap, the stain of sin can only be cleansed through devotion to God and sincere submission. He alleged that the Chief Minister, in his arrogance, had forgotten the importance of submitting before the Guru. "Chief Minister, forgiveness is attained by bowing before the Guru, not by confronting Him," Jakhar said, adding that "sins cannot be washed away with a Rs 3,000 instalment."
Appeal to women of Punjab
Appealing to the women of Punjab, Jakhar said they should accept the financial assistance but also seek accountability for what he termed as disrespect towards the Guru. The scheme, which provides Rs 3,000 to women, was launched amid ongoing controversies over the anti-sacrilege law and alleged videos of the Chief Minister.
