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Bhagwant Mann, the Chief Minister of Punjab, has launched a scathing attack on both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of deliberately fostering divisions within the population. He asserts that these parties exploit sectarian, regional, lingual, communal, and other differences to sow discord, ultimately pitting states against one another. This strategy, according to Mann, serves to maintain their grip on power by creating an environment of constant conflict and competition. He specifically highlights the strained relationship between Punjab and Haryana, two states with significant contributions to the national food supply, suggesting that past governments have intentionally fueled animosity between them to further their own political agendas. Mann's remarks underscore a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction with the perceived divisive tactics employed by mainstream political parties, particularly in regions with complex social and cultural landscapes. His accusations reflect a broader critique of political opportunism, where the pursuit of power trumps the need for unity and cooperation among different communities and states. The CM's strong words suggest an attempt to position his administration as a unifying force, committed to bridging divides and fostering a more harmonious environment within Punjab and beyond. The emphasis on sectarian and regional differences being exploited highlights the delicate balance within Indian politics, where regional identities and social groupings often play a crucial role in electoral outcomes. Mann's accusations also point to the enduring challenges of addressing historical grievances and fostering a sense of shared national identity in a diverse and complex nation. The CM's statement could be seen as a direct appeal to voters disillusioned with the established political order and seeking a more inclusive and equitable approach to governance. However, the divisive nature of such accusations also carries the risk of further polarization, particularly if not accompanied by concrete proposals for reconciliation and bridge-building. Mann's approach must therefore strike a careful balance between holding political opponents accountable and promoting a more unified and collaborative political climate.
In addition to criticizing the Congress and BJP for their alleged divisive tactics, Chief Minister Mann has also taken aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent foreign visits. This is not the first time Mann has publicly questioned Modi's international engagements, and his latest remarks come shortly after the Government of India disavowed his previous comments mocking the Prime Minister's five-nation tour. Mann's continued criticism suggests a deliberate strategy to challenge the Modi government's foreign policy priorities and highlight what he perceives as a disconnect between the Prime Minister's global ambitions and the needs of ordinary citizens. He juxtaposes Modi's purported desire to become a world leader with his alleged neglect of pressing issues within Punjab and the broader nation. Mann uses strong language to convey his discontent, suggesting that the Prime Minister is more interested in photo opportunities and foreign accolades than in addressing the fundamental challenges faced by the Indian population. He cites specific examples, such as the inability to release a film due to security concerns while the Prime Minister can allegedly travel to Pakistan for a meal, to illustrate what he sees as a lack of seriousness and prioritization on Modi's part. Furthermore, Mann questions the value of Modi receiving foreign honors from countries with small populations, implying that these accolades are disproportionately emphasized while the needs of 140 crore Indians are ignored. This criticism reflects a growing debate about the effectiveness and impact of India's foreign policy under Modi. While supporters of the Prime Minister argue that his international engagements have enhanced India's global standing and attracted foreign investment, critics contend that these efforts have come at the expense of addressing domestic concerns and improving the lives of ordinary citizens. Mann's remarks tap into this underlying tension and resonate with those who feel that the government's focus on international affairs has overshadowed its responsibilities at home. The CM's continued attacks, despite government attempts to distance themselves, signals a deliberate confrontation aiming to galvanize support among those disillusioned with Modi’s leadership.
The special Assembly session in which Mann made these remarks was convened to address the contentious issue of deploying Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at dams in Punjab. The Assembly passed a resolution opposing this deployment, reflecting a widespread concern about the encroachment of central authority on state matters. Mann argued that if Modi could supposedly mediate peace between Ukraine and Russia, as some media outlets have suggested, he should be equally capable of resolving the disputes between Punjab and Haryana. He portrays the two states as brothers who have been deliberately set against each other by opportunistic politicians seeking to exploit their rivalry for personal gain. The passage of the resolution opposing the CISF deployment represents a significant assertion of state autonomy and a challenge to the central government's authority. It also underscores the importance of safeguarding state resources and infrastructure from perceived external threats. The debate surrounding the deployment of central forces at dams highlights the complex interplay between national security concerns and state sovereignty rights. The Punjab government's opposition reflects a broader pattern of resistance to what some perceive as the increasing centralization of power under the Modi administration. This resistance is often fueled by concerns about the erosion of state autonomy and the marginalization of regional interests. The resolution passed by the Punjab Assembly can be seen as a symbolic act of defiance, intended to send a strong message to the central government that the state will not passively accept decisions that undermine its sovereignty. However, the effectiveness of this resolution in preventing the deployment of the CISF remains to be seen. The central government may still proceed with its plans, potentially leading to further conflict between the state and national authorities. Mann's criticism of Modi's attention to state affairs further accentuates the contentious dynamics between federal and regional governance.
Beyond the political rhetoric and legislative actions, the Punjab Assembly also passed several other Bills during the session. These included the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to promote rural games, particularly bullock cart races. Mann emphasized the importance of these games to the state's cultural heritage and expressed his commitment to reviving them after a Supreme Court ban in 2014. The passage of this Bill signals a desire to preserve and promote traditional cultural practices, particularly in rural areas. It also reflects a broader effort to revitalize the state's economy and cultural identity. The revival of bullock cart races, in particular, could have significant economic benefits for rural communities, as it would create opportunities for local businesses and generate revenue for the state. However, the Bill also raises ethical concerns about the treatment of animals and the potential for abuse. Animal rights activists have long opposed bullock cart races, arguing that they are cruel and inhumane. The Punjab government will need to address these concerns and ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect the welfare of the animals involved. The passage of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025 can be interpreted as a strategic move to connect with the rural population and bolster support for the ruling party. Reviving traditional activities such as bullock cart races taps into a sense of cultural pride and helps to reinforce the party's image as a champion of rural interests. The CM's emphasis on the importance of rural games is likely to resonate with voters in rural areas, who often feel that their concerns are ignored by urban-centric politicians. Furthermore, the passage of this Bill can be seen as a way to differentiate the Punjab government from other states and promote a unique cultural identity. By reviving traditional activities and preserving local customs, the government can create a sense of distinctiveness and attract tourists to the state.
Finally, the Assembly session was marked by noisy scenes and a walkout by Congress members over concerns about the law and order situation in the state. The walkout was triggered by the recent killing of a businessman in Abohar town. The Congress MLAs expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the situation and demanded immediate action to improve public safety. The Speaker attempted to reassure the members that they would have ample opportunity to raise their concerns, but the Congress MLAs proceeded with their walkout. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining law and order in Punjab and the political tensions surrounding these issues. The opposition parties are likely to continue to scrutinize the government's performance in this area and to use any incidents of crime or violence to criticize its policies. The walkout by Congress members can be seen as a tactic to disrupt the Assembly proceedings and draw attention to their concerns. It also serves to highlight the divisions within the state's political landscape and the ongoing rivalry between the ruling party and the opposition. The return of the Congress members after their walkout suggests a degree of strategic calculation. By walking out, they made a statement and drew attention to their concerns, but by returning to the Assembly, they avoided being accused of obstructing the legislative process. The law and order situation in Punjab remains a contentious issue, and the government will need to address these concerns effectively to maintain public confidence. In conclusion, this legislative session showcases the multifaceted political landscape within Punjab, marked by accusations, policy debates, and opposition protests. The interactions of the various parties involved will continue to shape the dynamics of the state's political future. The Assembly session reveals a complex interplay of political posturing, legislative action, and public discourse, all contributing to the shaping of Punjab's future.
Source: Punjab CM Mann accuses Congress, BJP of dividing people