Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday strongly criticized the BJP-led central government, accusing it of treating Punjab unfairly and hindering the state's development.
During discussions in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann highlighted the stalled RDF funds as an example of the Centre’s alleged discriminatory attitude towards Punjab.
He also condemned the landing of US planes carrying deportees in Amritsar, arguing that most deportees were from other states. "The sole motive was to tarnish Punjab’s image by landing the plane here without any rationale," Mann asserted.
He questioned why the deportee plane couldn’t be redirected elsewhere, citing the example of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's aircraft landing at Hindon airport.
He emphasized that illegal immigration is a national issue but is being unfairly projected as a Punjab-specific problem. "Such an attitude towards Punjab is intolerable, unwarranted, and undesirable as we cannot compromise with the dignity and pride of the state," he stated.
Mann reminded the Centre of Punjab's significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle, where over 80% of martyrs hailed from the state. He also highlighted Punjab’s crucial role in food security and self-reliance.
"Punjab is not a beggar; we know how to fight for our rights, and we will continue our struggle," he declared.
Expressing concern over the weakening of India’s federal structure, Mann accused the Union government of favoring wealthy businessmen while selling national assets at minimal prices.
He alleged that corporatization in politics had turned the government into a puppet for affluent individuals.
In contrast, Mann praised his government’s move to purchase the Goindwal power plant from private company GVK Power, calling it a historic decision.
"For the first time, a government has bought a private power plant instead of selling public assets at throwaway prices," he said.
He added that the plant has been renamed after the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji, as a tribute to Punjab’s heritage.