Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday strongly criticized the growing political blame game over stubble burning, accusing the Delhi government and the Centre of unfairly holding Punjab’s farmers responsible for rising air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Calling the issue “politicized beyond reason,” Mann said that instead of blaming Punjab, governments should work collectively toward a permanent and scientific solution to the stubble management challenge.
“Every year, when pollution levels rise in Delhi, fingers are pointed at Punjab. My question is simple — does smoke from Punjab alone reach Delhi, and not from Haryana or other states?” he asked.
‘Don’t Defame the Annadata’
Reiterating his support for farmers, the Chief Minister said that those who feed the nation should not be branded as polluters. “Our farmers are the annadata — the providers of food for every household. Don’t defame them for a situation that requires coordinated effort and long-term planning,” he asserted.
Questioning the Logic of Blame
Taking a dig at Delhi’s pollution narrative, Mann asked, “If the winds are calm, how is the smoke supposed to travel all the way from Punjab to Delhi?”
Appeal to the Centre
Urging the central government to play a proactive role, the Chief Minister said that the Centre should jointly design a comprehensive, technology-based solution for managing crop residue.
Seeking Cooperation, Not Confrontation
Mann concluded by emphasizing the need for cooperation among states rather than confrontation. “Political blame games won’t clear the air — collective action will.
