Punjab Chief Minister's Sharp Criticism Against Congress Leadership
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on state Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Sunday, suggesting that the Punjab government might need to establish mental asylums due to the irresponsible statements being made by opposition leaders.
The Chief Minister specifically targeted Warring's recent controversial remarks about Buta Singh, stating that the Congress leader had lost his mental balance and was making irrational comments. Mann attributed this behavior to the Congress party's anticipated defeat in the upcoming Tarn Taran by-election.
Legal and Constitutional Fallout
The political controversy escalated when Warring faced legal consequences for his statements. Ludhiana MP Warring was officially booked at the Cyber Crime police station in Kapurthala following a formal complaint lodged by Buta Singh's family members.
Adding to the seriousness of the situation, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes took suo motu cognizance of the remarks and has demanded an action taken report from Tarn Taran authorities within seven days.
Mann emphasized the financial implications of his criticism, stating in Punjabi: "Sarkaari pagal khaana banana paina, hun nawan kharch khada houga" (we will now have to open a government mental asylum, and it will be a new financial burden). He expressed concern about the additional expense on the state exchequer but maintained there was no alternative given the current situation.
Spiritual Initiative and Governance
Amidst the political controversy, the Chief Minister also focused on governance matters by flagging off the first batch of buses under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme from his Assembly constituency of Dhuri in Sangrur district.
This pilgrimage program, dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, was officially launched at Bararwal village on October 29. The selection process for devotees involves a transparent draw system, ensuring fair access to all eligible participants.
The scheme enables elderly devotees to visit significant religious and historical sites in Amritsar, including Sri Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Temple, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Partition Museum. Participants receive comprehensive amenities including AC bus transportation, AC hotel accommodations, free meals, medical support, and dedicated attendants.
Election Commission and Central Government Concerns
Chief Minister Mann expressed serious concerns about the declining credibility of the Election Commission of India, warning that this trend could prove fatal for Indian democracy. He criticized the Commission's silence regarding questions about EVMs and alleged vote theft, accusing the BJP of acting as the EC's mouthpiece.
Mann also raised alarms about the NDA government's attempts to gain backdoor entry to Panjab University, Chandigarh. He asserted that the Punjab government would strongly resist any such move, emphasizing that Panjab University has been an integral part of Punjab's emotional, cultural, and literary heritage since its inception.
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of suffering from anti-Punjab syndrome and alleged that the party was determined to undermine the state's interests. He specifically criticized Congress leaders who joined the BJP for ministerial positions, describing them as ornamental ministers without real decision-making power.
Financial Assistance and Flood Relief
Addressing economic concerns, Mann revealed that Punjab has not received the Rs 1,600 crore flood relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In response to significant agricultural losses during recent floods, the state government is providing substantial support to affected farmers.
The relief measures include two lakh quintal seeds worth Rs 74 crore distributed free of cost to farmers in flood-affected districts. Additionally, the government has disbursed compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for crop loss, which Mann described as the highest compensation ever provided by any state government in the country.
The distribution process for these relief measures has already commenced and is expected to be completed soon, providing crucial support to the agricultural community during challenging times.
