Punjab CM Mann slams Akali Dal for neglecting state issues in Parliament
Mann questioned Akali Dal’s commitment to Punjab, citing their failure to seek Sahibzads’ recognition
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a pointed attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing the party of seeking votes in the name of sect while failing to address Punjab’s issues in Parliament. Addressing a large gathering during a state-level function for Rakhar Punya, Mann lamented that leaders who benefit from sectarian affiliations have remained silent on Punjab’s problems in Parliament.
Mann cited an example from his tenure as a Lok Sabha member. On December 26, 2018, he appealed to then Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to pay homage to the Chhote Sahibzads of Guru Gobind Singh Ji on their martyrdom day. The Speaker agreed, and for the first time in Parliamentary history, tribute was paid to the Sahibzads, who endured tyranny and injustice without surrendering. Mann expressed surprise that the Akali Dal, despite claiming to be pro-Punjab, had never requested Parliamentary recognition for the Sahibzads. He questioned what else could be expected from a party that fails to address Punjab’s issues. The Chief Minister also criticised the BJP, urging the party to reflect on its own record before teaching Punjab about law and order. He pointed out that BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have imposed curfews during festivals like Ram Navami, citing this as evidence of poor law and order. Mann also reminded the BJP about the curfew imposed in Nuh, Haryana.
Mann proudly noted that during his tenure, there was not a single day of curfew, highlighting Punjab’s reputation for mutual love and brotherhood, rooted in its rich heritage of gurus and martyrs.