Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of harbouring an "anti-Punjab mindset" and warned that the party would reimpose the contentious farm laws if voted to power in the state.
Mann's Allegations at Lok Milni Programme
Addressing a Lok Milni programme at village Manki in Samrala, Mann alleged that the BJP, Akali Dal, and Congress had "betrayed" Punjab for decades through divisive politics, corruption, and anti-state decisions. "How can BJP seek votes in Punjab after sacrificing farmers at the borders?" Mann asked, claiming that unlike previous governments, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration was spending public money on welfare schemes, jobs, healthcare, education, and development works. He also announced Rs 50 lakh for development projects in the village.
Discrimination Under BJP-Led Governments
The chief minister alleged that Punjab had repeatedly faced discrimination under BJP-led governments on issues including Panjab University, Chandigarh, BBMB, the SYL canal, RDF funds, and Republic Day tableaux. He also criticised the move to make Punjabi optional and Sanskrit compulsory in Army schools in Punjab.
Call to Reject Divisive Politics
Claiming that BJP thrived on "politics of division", Mann urged people to reject attempts to create communal polarisation ahead of the elections. "Punjab has already seen dark days in the past, which derailed the development of the state," he said.
Attack on Akali Dal
Launching an attack on the Akali Dal, Mann alleged that every vote for the party would amount to "a mandate in favour of sacrilege", referring to the Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing incidents during the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP regime.
