CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday launched scathing attacks on the BJP, accusing the saffron party of attempting to brand patriotic Punjabis as anti-nationals and conspiring to destroy the state's centuries-old social harmony for electoral gains.
Mann Warns Against Divisive Politics
While leading the 'Shukrana Yatra' across the Malwa region, Mann warned that the same politics of fear and division unleashed by the BJP in West Bengal was now being attempted in Punjab. He alleged that communal forces were trying to pit communities against each other to polarise society and capture power. He asserted that Punjabis, who made the greatest sacrifices for the country's freedom and unity, would never allow such forces to succeed in Punjab.
"The moment the BJP formed the government in West Bengal, an atmosphere of fear spread everywhere. First they pit two communities against each other, and then they stand with one side and intimidate the other to secure votes," Mann added.
Call for Unity
Mann called upon Punjabis to unite against divisive forces inimical to the peace, amity, and communal harmony of the state. He asserted that communal politics would never be allowed to disturb Punjab's centuries-old brotherhood. Coining the slogan "Punjab belongs to Punjabis," Mann said, "Those trying to disturb communal harmony are enemies of Punjab. The BJP has gained power in Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal through divisive politics, but such conspiracies would never succeed in Punjab because people here celebrate every festival together."
Targets RSS and BJP
On the third day of the yatra in Bathinda, Mann targeted the RSS and BJP over nationalism. He said the RSS did not hoist the Tricolour at its headquarters for 52 years, yet now they are distributing certificates of patriotism to others. Earlier, Mann paid obeisance at Takhat Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo. He said some people are opposing the law tooth and nail because their political bosses are unhappy over it.
The chief minister's remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the state, with both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition BJP engaging in sharp exchanges over issues of nationalism and communal harmony.
