Bhagwant Mann accuses previous governments of aiding drug trade, vows action
The Chief Minister alleged that earlier regimes not only turned a blind eye to the drug crisis but also actively protected and facilitated drug networks across the state. He claimed that government machinery, including official vehicles, was misused to transport narcotics under the patronage of powerful individuals.Mann said that his administration has broken this pattern by arresting several individuals who were previously considered beyond the reach of law. He added that many of these individuals, known for amassing wealth through illicit activities, are now in jail and facing the consequences of their actions.Additionally, Mann also took aim at political opponents who, he said, opposed the arrest of senior leaders linked to the drug trade. Without naming anyone directly, he referenced historical instances to underscore what he described as a legacy of betrayal against Punjab's interests.The Chief Minister clarified that there is no political vendetta behind the arrests. Legal proceedings are being followed and the judiciary will determine the outcome. During the address, Mann said that those who contributed to the devastation of Punjab's youth through drugs do not deserve any special privileges while in custody.- EndsMust Watch
IN THIS STORY#Punjab
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
On social media, counter-narrative builds against AAP govt's land pooling policy in Punjab
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India Today
8 hours ago
- India Today
Punjab, top Sikh body spar over events on Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom day
A fresh tussle has erupted in Punjab between the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-aligned Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). This time, the friction centres around their separate plans to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Guru of Monday, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that the state government's upcoming celebration has been scheduled from November 19 to 25, where the government will organise several events, including a major yatra starting from Srinagar, which will be flagged off by Chief Minister Bhagwant yatras from Punjab's Majha, Malwa, and Doaba regions will converge at Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the city will be turned into a white city to mark the day. However, the SGPC has voiced strong objections after the government announcement, calling the overlapping of events disruptive and disrespectful to Sikh traditions. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami accused the Mann government of intentionally sidelining Sikh institutions and calling for avoidable controversy with the Panth. 'Instead of following the cooperative spirit shown by earlier governments, this administration is intruding into Panthic affairs,' Dhami said.'SGPC, as the premier religious body of the Sikh community, holds the rightful authority to lead such historic religious commemorations in coordination with Sikh organisations and sangat (devotees). The role of governments should be to facilitate arrangements for the devotees—not to interfere in religious affairs,' Dhami told India response, CM Mann hit back at the SGPC on Tuesday, questioning if the body held a 'copyright' on organising events for Sikh Gurus. Mann also mentioned that during Prakash Singh Badal's government, similar events were hosted together by the SGPC and the SAD-led Punjab is not the first time that the SGPC or any government excluding SAD is in contradiction. The situation mirrors a similar conflict in 2019, when the SGPC clashed with the then Congress-led government over parallel events for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary, due in November, carries political weight ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls. For the SAD, struggling with internal divisions and a waning voter base, the commemorations represent a chance to reconnect with the public. Meanwhile, the AAP government seems determined to assert its role in religious and cultural the controversy, preparations are moving ahead at full pace. The state government expects over one crore devotees in Anandpur Sahib and plans to turn the city white for the occasion. A 'tent city' will be erected for visitors, and sound-and-light shows will be held across all 23 districts. Seminars in universities are also on the cards to spread awareness about Guru Tegh Bahadur's legacy. Coordination is underway with Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir to facilitate the SGPC has stated it will invite leaders from all states to its commemorative events, aiming for inclusivity. However, the body's secretary, Balwinder Singh, claimed he was unaware of any official communication with the Mann the two sides choose to reconcile and organise joint events, it could lead to the unlikely scenario of CM Mann sharing the stage with SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal—a politically sensitive prospect, given the SGPC's frequent criticisms of the AAP government.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Indian Express
Mann govt vs SGPC one-upmanship flares up over Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day plans
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