Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has slammed the central government’s decision to cancel a visit by Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan for the Parkash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev. Speaking in Chandigarh on Monday, Mann questioned if the BJP’s policy targets Pakistan or its own citizens, calling it a clear sign of the Modi government’s hostile stance towards Punjab.
He pointed out the irony in how the Centre handles things. “If a Pakistani actor stars in a Punjabi film, the government bans it and brands Punjabis as traitors,” Mann said. He highlighted that such bans hurt Punjabi artists and the local film industry the most, especially since the movie in question was shot well before the Pahalgam terror attack. Yet, the Centre allowed an India-Pakistan cricket match, despite knowing where the earnings might go amid Pakistan’s anti-India actions.
“Why can India play cricket against Pakistan, but Sikh pilgrims can’t visit sacred sites like Sri Kartarpur Sahib and Sri Nankana Sahib to pay their respects?” Mann asked, urging fairness for religious pilgrimages.
Mann also criticized the BJP-led Centre for its treatment of Punjab during crises. While it quickly sends aid to Afghanistan after disasters, it has ignored Punjab’s devastating floods. “The government hasn’t released the Rs 1,600 crore promised by the Prime Minister,” he added, accusing the BJP of holding a grudge against Punjab and its people.
He challenged Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar and Union Minister Ravneet Bittu to explain the double standards—allowing cricket ties with Pakistan but blocking pilgrim jathas. “BJP leaders were quick to question our state government yesterday, but now they’re silent on this,” Mann said, demanding accountability from the Centre on Punjab issues.
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