Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Centre, accusing it of “double standards” for permitting cricket matches with Pakistan while barring Sikh pilgrims from visiting Nankana Sahib on the upcoming Prakash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
In a live address, Mann questioned the Union government’s stand. “A cricket match was organized, but Sikh Jathas were stopped from going to Pakistan. Players say they played the match but didn’t shake hands with Pakistani cricketers. What kind of compulsion is this? Playing but not shaking hands is strange,” he remarked.
He also criticized Union Minister Anurag Thakur’s justification that holding the match was a “compulsion.” “What sort of compulsion is this? I fail to understand,” Mann said.
The Punjab CM further alleged discrimination against the state, pointing out that while the Centre swiftly sent aid to Afghanistan during a crisis, no such help was extended to Punjab during its devastating floods. “Why is there such hostility only towards Punjab?” he asked.
Mann urged BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Bittu to demand an explanation from the Union government on why Sikh Jathas were denied permission to visit Nankana Sahib.
