Shiv Sena Punjab terms tribute to Iran’s president in Assembly ‘insult to martyrs’

Reacting to the tribute reportedly paid to Iran’s President at the beginning of the Punjab Assembly’s budget session, leaders of Shiv Sena Punjab on Saturday termed the move an insult to the martyrs of the country and accused the Punjab government of pursuing an agenda that allegedly undermines national interests.

Addressing mediapersons here, Shiv Sena Punjab senior state vice-president Inderjit Karwal and Rajesh Palta, along with State Spokesperson Vipin Sharma and city president Ankur Bedi, issued a joint statement criticising the move and questioning the intentions of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The Shiv Sena leaders alleged that paying homage to the Iranian President in the state Assembly was inappropriate and hurt the sentiments of patriotic citizens. They claimed that such gestures disregard the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and martyrs who have laid down their lives for the nation.

Karwal and Palta further stated that, according to their understanding, Iran has historically not supported India’s position on several key issues and has often raised concerns related to Kashmir at international platforms while extending support to Pakistan. They added that after major terror attacks such as the Pulwama attack, the Iranian leadership had not openly held Pakistan responsible nor expressed strong solidarity with India.

Questioning the decision to pay tribute in the Assembly, the Shiv Sena leaders said that when the Government of India itself did not officially observe mourning in the manner alleged, it raised doubts as to why the Punjab government considered it necessary to do so. They alleged that the step appeared politically motivated and intended to appease certain interests.

The Shiv Sena leaders also accused the ruling party in Punjab of allegedly working under the influence of forces that do not align with national interests. They claimed that with the approach of the next Punjab Assembly elections, political parties were attempting to mobilise support through controversial actions.

Demanding strict action, the leaders urged the Central Government to take cognizance of what they described as “anti-national activities” and to initiate an inquiry into the functioning of the Bhagwant Mann government.