Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has hit out at the BJP over the arrest of former Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab co-in-charge Satyendar Jain, alleging that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is being used to target opposition leaders ahead of elections.
Mann said the BJP was resorting to “cheap tactics” as it was unable to establish a political foothold in Punjab. He claimed that the case being referred to by the BJP relates to a period when Jain was already in jail.
“We hope that justice will be delivered by the court,” Mann said, alleging that a pattern had emerged of arresting prominent opposition leaders for two or three months in areas where elections were approaching.
Calling the BJP’s approach “anti-democratic”, Mann said opposition leaders had earlier been arrested during the Delhi elections as well. He cited the arrests of AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia and also referred to the court’s handling of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s case.
On notices and letters issued by the ED, Mann said such documents could be compiled and sent, but that there was no truth in the allegations. He accused opposition parties of targeting his government because they were unable to find an issue against it.
Mann also hit back at critics questioning his government’s credibility, saying he did not need an “honesty certificate” from anyone. He alleged that those who had “looted Punjab” were now pointing fingers at his government.
‘Punjab Has Given the Tricolour to the Nation’
Reacting to the NHRC’s observation regarding the alleged non-hoisting of the national flag at some schools in border districts on Independence Day, Mann said Punjab did not need a certificate of patriotism.
“Do not give Punjab a certificate that it does not love the Tricolour,” Mann said, highlighting Punjab’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and the armed forces.
He said celebrations such as Republic Day and Independence Day could not be complete without acknowledging Punjab’s contribution to the country.
Mann Says No Flood-Like Situation in Punjab
On concerns over flood-like conditions in the state following heavy rainfall, Mann said the situation in Punjab remained under control.
He acknowledged that Chandigarh had received heavy rainfall but said there was no need for panic in Punjab. He added that the paddy crop was progressing well and maintained that the state was not facing a flood-like situation at present.
