SANGRUR: Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led Union government over its handling of the Gulf war situation, accusing the Centre of hiding the failure of its foreign and economic policies behind the ongoing conflict. Interacting with media persons during the launch of a project to underground high-tension power wires, the Punjab Chief Minister said the Centre was virtually pushing the country towards an undeclared lockdown-like situation by appealing to people to cut down on the purchase of petrol, diesel, LPG and gold. He questioned why India alone appeared to be facing such panic despite the conflict being between Israel and Iran, while neighbouring countries were not witnessing similar disruption.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over foreign policy, Bhagwant Mann said the leadership that once promised to make India a “Vishav Guru” had instead reduced the country to a “Vishav Chela.” He alleged that the Centre was dependent on foreign powers for key decisions and demanded that the Prime Minister clearly inform the country about the actual status of oil, LPG and gold reserves. Mann also criticized the Prime Minister’s foreign tours, claiming they had brought little benefit for ordinary citizens while helping a select group of industrialists secure business opportunities abroad. He alleged that the rich were becoming richer while common people continued to suffer from inflation and rising fuel prices.
The Chief Minister also accused central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation and the Income Tax Department of being misused as political tools to target opposition leaders. He claimed the BJP was using these agencies to arm-twist rivals and suppress democratic voices in the country. Mann further slammed Punjab BJP leaders, calling them disconnected from ground realities and accusing them of merely repeating what the party high command dictated. On the issue of DAP fertilizer availability, he said he had already raised Punjab’s concerns with the Union Agriculture Minister, who assured him that the state’s requirements would be fully met.
