Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Launches Scathing Attack on BJP-Led Centre Over Gangster Treatment and Anti-Conversion Law
Marking the completion of four years in office, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday launched a fierce critique against the BJP-led Central government. He accused it of providing VIP treatment to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Sabarmati Jail while actively shielding him from Punjab Police custody. Simultaneously, Mann countered Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent pitch for an anti-conversion law in the state, asserting that the "religious card" would never succeed in Punjab and alleging the saffron party is attempting to incite communal friction.
Allegations of Double Standards in Gangster Investigations
Addressing concerns over law and order, Mann framed gangsterism as an international challenge, citing examples like Canada, but emphasized that Punjab remains a "peaceful land." He highlighted that Punjab Police have tracked accused individuals as far as Nagaland and Meghalaya. However, he directed sharp criticism at the Union Home Ministry regarding the investigation into the Sidhu Moose Wula murder case.
"The Mansa police want to bring Anmol Bishnoi to Punjab and interrogate him... But the BJP-led Centre seems to have double standards," Mann stated. "While the Union home minister spoke about gangsters during his visit to the state, the home ministry gave instructions that Lawrence Bishnoi cannot be taken out of the Sabarmati Jail for interrogation by other agencies. He is enjoying VIP facilities there. They say that there is a threat to his life; they want to keep him alive and use him."
Mann further accused the Akali Dal and Congress of historically patronizing gangsterism in Punjab, alleging, "Those who patronised gangsters are today raising the issue." In contrast, he asserted that his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has maintained a clean break from such influences, noting, "We didn't try to patronise gangsters or try to use them in elections. Unlike other parties, we don't give AAP tickets to relatives of gangsters."
Countering Amit Shah's Anti-Conversion Law Proposal
Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement on March 14 during a Badlav rally in Moga—where Shah declared that if the BJP wins the 2027 assembly elections, its first bill would ban religious conversions in Punjab—Mann issued a stern warning. He claimed such statements are an invitation to communal disharmony.
Mann asserted that Punjab's secular fabric is too robust for the "religious card" to take root, stating, "While the land is fertile for all crops, the 'seed of hatred' would never grow there." He further accused the BJP of deliberately troubling non-BJP-ruled states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, confirming that Punjab has already approached the Supreme Court to seek the release of the Rural Development Fund (RDF) withheld by the Centre. "By coming here and seeking votes with turbans, will they become pro-Punjab?" he questioned rhetorically.
Infrastructure and Economic Development Plans
On the state's economic future, Mann announced significant projects. Tata Steel will inaugurate its second-largest plant in Ludhiana's Cycle Valley on March 20. He also shared plans for an international cricket stadium in Amritsar, noting the city already meets requirements like having an international airport, so "matches can then be held at both New Chandigarh and Amritsar."
Regarding New Chandigarh's cricket stadium not being preferred for matches, Mann said he will take up the matter with Amit Shah, "as there should be no politics in sports." He remarked, "For every small thing, we have to approach Shah, even for getting a sewerage lid replaced."
Highlighting the roadmap for his fifth year in office, Mann emphasized, "The fact that we have fulfilled our pre-poll guarantees doesn't mean that we will sit back now," focusing on pending issues like the Malwa Canal.
Defending Governance and Addressing Other Issues
Defending his work ethic against opposition charges, CM Mann declared himself the "most hardworking chief minister," stating, "I signed over 14,000 files in the last four years. I start work at 6 am in the morning and then go to different programmes, face questions of the media... I give journalists stories even when I am admitted in a hospital, as all sorts of speculation begins."
On other matters:
- Agriculture Policy: Asked about Punjab's agriculture policy pending for two years, Mann said that while most farmers' issues pertain to the Centre, the state government will formulate a detailed policy after consulting all stakeholders. "There are Centre-related issues like appointment of the FCI's regional head, holding back of the rural development fund, the impact of the Seeds Act, Electricity Amendment Act and US Treaty on Punjab's farmers...The agriculture policy should be pro-farmers," he explained.
- Bomb Threat Calls: Regarding bomb threat calls to schools, Mann noted this is occurring in other states as well. "They use fake IDs to send such emails to create panic. They sent such emails to high courts and the Supreme Court. But we have faith in our police; they can trace IP addresses and take them to task," he assured.
- Private Schools: Responding to questions about AAP MLAs sending their children to private schools, he clarified, "We only said that we will bring the level of education in govt schools at par with private schools. There is no bar on sending your kids to private schools. If govt buses are being improved, it doesn't mean you can't take a private bus."
As Punjab moves into the fifth year of Mann's tenure, the chief minister's combative stance against the Centre and focus on infrastructure development signal a continued emphasis on state autonomy and economic growth amidst political tensions.
