Punjab CM accuses Centre of suppression of dissent and cronyism

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday alleged that the BJP-led Union government is hell bent on muzzling the voice of dissent by lodging FIRs against the AAP and its leaders.

Interacting with media persons, the chief minister lamented that it has become a new norm that anyone who speaks the truth faces FIRs. He added that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and others were imprisoned merely for speaking the truth.

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Mann asserted that they are prepared to face all such attempts by the Centre and expressed full faith in the law of the land to protect them. He said more such arrests and FIRs are likely as the BJP wants to silence those who speak against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Replying to a query, Bhagwant Singh Mann said as chief minister of a state, he has every right to question the country’s foreign policy. He stated that he would continue to raise questions against Modi’s foreign visits, pointing out that Adani’s business interests seem to expand after each such trip.

He alleged that Modi and his associates do not acknowledge their role in facilitating Adani’s international ventures. He further questioned the effectiveness of these visits, noting that during the India-Pakistan war, none of the foreign countries came forward to support India.

The chief minister also accused the BJP-led Central government of patronizing dreaded gangsters, allegedly lodged in jails in Gujarat. He emphasized that strict action will be taken against those involved in organised crime and drug trafficking, adding that no leniency would be shown.

Highlighting positive developments in Punjab, the chief minister said it was a historic day for the state as five pro-people bills were passed unanimously in the Vidhan Sabha.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring Punjab’s past glory and pledged that no stone would be left unturned in this mission. Mann concluded by saying that more pro-Punjab and development-oriented decisions would be taken in the coming days.