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Demanding an apology from Mann, Saini posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Bhagwant Mann ji seems to have forgotten that he is commenting not only on the Prime Minister but also on the trust and leadership of 140 crore Indians. Instead of interfering in global politics, he should focus on Punjab, which is drowning in drug addiction, corruption, and debt.”
Thenewsdose.com
Chandigarh, July 12, UPDATED: 3:30 PM
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has sharply criticised his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann for making “inappropriate” remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits, calling them an affront to democratic values and constitutional dignity.
Demanding an apology from Mann, Saini posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday night: “Bhagwant Mann ji seems to have forgotten that he is commenting not only on the Prime Minister but also on the trust and leadership of 140 crore Indians. Instead of interfering in global politics, he should focus on Punjab, which is drowning in drug addiction, corruption, and debt.”
Saini hailed Modi’s foreign policy and pandemic leadership, citing the Vande Bharat Mission and India’s vaccine diplomacy. “It is due to PM Modi’s global standing that India today marches alongside developed nations,” he said.
Mann had earlier triggered controversy by mocking Modi for celebrating a foreign award from a country with “just 10,000 people” while “ignoring the concerns of 140 crore Indians.” He said such awards lacked meaning when domestic challenges remained unaddressed.
Facing flak from several BJP leaders, Mann remained defiant and reiterated his criticism in the Punjab Assembly on Friday. Responding to the Ministry of External Affairs’ strong disapproval, which termed his remarks “irresponsible” and “unwarranted”, Mann asked: “Don’t I have the right to question foreign policy? Do these countries ever support us when our relations with neighbours worsen?”
He went further, questioning alleged links between the PM’s visits and the expansion of Indian business interests abroad.“Wherever the PM goes, Adani’s business starts there. Why don’t you admit that these visits promote business interests?” Mann insisted he would continue to raise these questions in the future, underscoring what he called the right of every Indian to hold the government accountable.
