Harry Mann’s statement sparks controversy

Tribune News Service

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Patiala, January 9

A Congress leader in Patiala has allegedly asked party workers to "sever" opponents if they indulge in any "wrongdoing" during the upcoming panchayat poll, drawing sharp reaction from opposition Akali Dal and AAP which sought registration of an FIR against him.

Harinderpal Singh Harry Mann, Punjab’s former Information Commissioner-turned-Congress leader, vowed Congress workers not to get suppressed by anyone and battle it out and he will ensure that no action is initiated against them.

Addressing a massive gathering at Devigarh, he said: “Dhakka na hon dayo, ona to dabb na jayo. Vadh ke mere kol aa jayo, thonu ungal nahi lagan denda. (Don’t let them use force, don’t be suppressed by them. Cut them and come to me. I will ensure that no one touches you).”

However, later while talking to The Tribune, Mann clarified that what he said was just to boost the morale of the party rank and file who were feeling suppressed due to the atrocities committed on them in the past 10 years by the SAD-BJP.

Harry Mann said: “I was addressing a gathering at Devigarh that was attended by over 5,000 party activists during which I just highlighted how Congress workers were highly scared by the atrocities committed upon them by the SAD-BJP government in the past”.

“I just said now Captain Amarinder Singh is the Chief Minister and therefore they should not feel suppressed. I simply said they should use kirpans in self-defence during the forthcoming panchayat elections, rather than being intimated since the SAD-BJP has a reputation of using force to win elections,” said Mann.

Harinderpal Singh Chandumajra, SAD MLA from the Sanaur Assembly segment, who defeated Harry Mann during 2017 elections, said Harry Mann’s statement was highly condemnable, that too in the home constituency of the Punjab CM. He said he was shocked that such leaders have been taken in the Punjabi University Syndicate and he should be expelled from the prestigious educational institute.

Meanwhile, former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, while speaking to the reporter at Rakhra village today, has termed this statement as highly irresponsible and instigating.

He said: “Such statement speaks volumes about the high-headedness of Congress leaders. It can lead to violence across the state and a case should be registered against Mann for this.”