Stop indulging in fear-mongering: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to Opposition

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday asked Opposition leaders not to indulge in “fear-mongering” and let the state “walk the path of peace and prosperity”, saying Punjab had already been a witness to a period of terrorism and bloodshed.

“We have already witnessed dark days of terrorism, bloodshed, violence, bombs and AK-47s,” he said stressing the need for a “responsible politics” in the state.

The Chief Minister made the statement addressing a state-level event organised at Punjabi University here to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar.

His remarks came a day after the state police booked the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly — Partap Singh Bajwa — for his claim in a TV interview that 50 bombs/hand grenades had been smuggled into Punjab, with 18 of them already used in terror activities.

Following the statement, the state police booked the Congress leader for allegedly spreading misinformation that could compromise national security and unity.

Taking a dig at Bajwa, Mann said, “Now, when he has been asked to reveal details of the remaining grenades, he’s hiring a lawyer.” The Chief Minister also urged the Opposition to criticise him freely but refrain from spreading panic.

Speaking on recent incidents aimed at disturbing social harmony in the state, including the defacement of a statue of the Dalit icon, Mann said attempts to create communal discord would be dealt with strictly.

“We will not tolerate those trying to break the social fabric,” he asserted. Reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs, Mann said they will continue to take “bulldozer action” against drug peddlers and demolish properties linked to them.

“Their wealth is soaked in the blood of innocent youths who lost their lives to addiction,” he said. The Chief Minister highlighted his government’s efforts to revive Punjabi University, which he said was struggling financially when the AAP government took over.

“Today, we are disbursing Rs 30 crore per month to ensure stability and regular payment of salaries to the faculty,” Mann shared.