Sirsa Attacks Mann’s Priorities

BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has sharply criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his decision to travel to Paris on his birthday, alleging that the Chief Minister is neglecting pressing issues in the state. Sirsa’s comments come in the wake of escalating tensions in Mansa following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. He questioned Mann’s choice to celebrate abroad while Punjab grapples with a worsening drug crisis and deteriorating law and order.

In a video message, Sirsa stated, “Punjab is burning. Drug smugglers are killing anti-drug activists in broad daylight and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is travelling to Paris along with his wife to celebrate his birthday.” He accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to address the state’s urgent concerns.

Sirsa further alleged that Mann’s trip was unjustified, claiming that the Chief Minister was using MARKFED’s involvement in an international food exhibition as a pretext for his travel. He expressed scepticism about the legitimacy of the visit, questioning whether the French government had extended an invitation to Mann and whether the Centre had initially approved the trip.

Concerns Over Financial Accountability

Raising issues regarding the financial implications of the visit, Sirsa asked if Mann’s trip was an official duty or a personal celebration funded by taxpayers. He remarked, “Bhagwant Mann’s Paris visit raises serious questions. Is this an official business trip or a birthday getaway at Punjab’s taxpayers’ expense?”

Sirsa also questioned the inclusion of Mann’s wife in the official delegation, demanding clarity on the rules governing such decisions. He sought information about whether the Chief Minister’s presence was essential for MARKFED’s participation in SIAL Paris 2026, the international food trade exhibition scheduled for October 17 to 21.

His comments reflect growing frustration among the opposition regarding the government’s handling of the state’s drug-related issues. Sirsa’s inquiries highlight concerns about transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for official trips.

High Court Supports Mann’s Travel Plans

The criticism of Mann’s trip emerged shortly after the Punjab and Haryana High Court permitted the state government’s request to challenge the Centre’s denial of political clearance for the Chief Minister’s visit to France from October 15 to 21. The visit is associated with MARKFED’s participation in the international food exhibition.

The state government argued that the Centre’s refusal was arbitrary, asserting that all necessary administrative approvals had been secured. Punjab Additional Advocate General Ferry Sofat stated that the Centre had cited security concerns and the lack of an invitation as reasons for opposing the clearance.

In response to the court’s decision, Mann expressed his relief and questioned why he needed to seek judicial intervention for official engagements that pertain to Punjab’s interests. The Chief Minister’s visit is now set against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny regarding the state’s drug-related violence and unrest.

Political Tensions Amid Rising Violence

The controversy surrounding Mann’s trip unfolds amid heightened pressure on the Punjab government due to escalating drug-related violence. The Union Home Ministry has requested detailed reports from the state regarding Jhota’s murder, along with other incidents linked to drug crime.

Jhota was reportedly killed after confronting a medical shop owner about the sale of addictive substances in Mansa, an incident that has sparked widespread protests. His family has refused to cremate his body until justice is served, further intensifying public outcry.

As the High Court has cleared Mann’s visit and the BJP intensifies its criticism of the AAP government over the drug crisis, the political landscape in Punjab remains fraught with tension. The state government’s forthcoming responses to the Centre’s inquiries regarding recent violent incidents will be crucial in shaping the ongoing political discourse.

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