As the Aam Aadmi Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal continue to attack each other over Panthic issues, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann once again targeted his rival during a Lok Milni programme here on Thursday evening.
Attacking the SAD, Mann raked up past incidents. “They are the same people who bestowed upon themselves the title of Fakr-e-Qaum, whereas it was former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal who facilitated the safe exit of those accused in the 1978 Sikh-Nirankari clash. Those who had killed unarmed Sikhs were taken away safely in his own car. So, is there anything in them that the community should feel proud of?” he asked.
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His attack on the Akalis began right at the start of his speech. “It was during their tenure that drugs were supplied in official vehicles carrying red beacons. The police had instructions not to stop any of those vehicles,” he alleged.
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Claiming that the SAD was planning an alliance with the BJP to return to power, Mann said, “But I tell you they will meet the same fate as the tortoise and the mouse when they became friends. Both died after their tails were tied together. Likewise, such an alliance will spell doom for both parties,” he told the gathering, narrating the story in detail.
The Aam Aadmi Party also appeared to build an atmosphere of support for the Chief Minister amid the ongoing Panthic controversy during the rally. A woman came forward to present him with a saffron robe, while around 10 to 12 Nihang Sikhs were seated among the audience. Accusing the Akali leadership of misleading people, Mann said those who had lied before the Akal Takht could not be loyal to anyone. He further remarked that the Congress was on its deathbed because of internal infighting.
On the development front, Mann spoke about shifting electricity wires underground. “The work has started in my village and it will soon be extended to the rest of Punjab,” he said.
On the demand to grant district status to Phagwara, he said, “This is a lengthy process as it requires separate arrangements such as an SSP office, DC office, courts and other administrative infrastructure. We will do it in due course. For now, we will delegate all powers of the Kapurthala Deputy Commissioner to the ADC, Phagwara