- Takes a dig at dissenting AAP MPs, says power comes from people not political conspiracies; accuses Bharatiya Janata Party of destabilisation attempts
Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a sharp dig at the reported rebellion by seven Rajya Sabha MPs of the Aam Aadmi Party, using a metaphor-filled post on social media platform X.
Writing in Punjabi, Mann compared the seven MPs to ingredients like ginger, garlic, cumin, fenugreek, red chilli, black pepper, and coriander—saying that while these elements enhance the taste of a dish together, they cannot form a “vegetable” on their own. The remark was widely seen as a jibe at the dissenting leaders.
The Chief Minister asserted that political power is not gained through conspiracies but by winning people’s trust. He added that “traitors” had left the party on their own, suggesting that their exit would not weaken the party’s foundation.
Mann also launched a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of trying to destabilize his government. He alleged that ever since efforts to bring in anti-sacrilege legislation intensified, the BJP has been attempting to weaken the Punjab government through intimidation, inducements, and political defections.
He claimed that the people of Punjab would give a befitting reply to those MPs who “betrayed” public trust, asserting that the BJP lacks a solid base in the state. According to Mann, the party is resorting to “revenge politics” and divisive tactics because it has minimal grassroots support in Punjab.
Reiterating his confidence in the public, Mann said that the strength of the AAP lies in ordinary citizens and its ideological foundation. He warned that those who betray public trust are never forgiven, adding that history shows such leaders eventually fade from politics.
Citing past examples, Mann said voters have consistently held leaders accountable for switching loyalties. He emphasized that in a democracy, the party remains supreme not individuals who defect for personal gain.
Taking a further swipe at the BJP, Mann sarcastically suggested that it should be renamed for its alleged tendency to “clean” leaders from other parties through political maneuvering. He accused the party of lacking credible leadership and relying instead on breaking rival parties.
Mann also referred to several national leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Uddhav Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar claiming that similar political strategies have been used against them. He further mentioned leaders like Naveen Patnaik, Dushyant Chautala, and Nitish Kumar as examples of those targeted in political manoeuvres.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister said such strategies would not succeed in a democratic state like Punjab, where ultimately, the people hold the power to decide.