Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], October 10 : The Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, expressed strong condemnation of the recent incident involving an attempted shoe-throwing at the Chief Justice of India. He attributed this act to the anti-Scheduled Caste (SC) narratives propagated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Interacting with the reporters on the sidelines of the nomination filing of eminent industrialist Rajinder Gupta for the Rajya Sabha, the Chief Minister said that the saffron party had been continuously working against the interests of the weaker and underprivileged sections through its "venomous propaganda," adding that this incident is a result of this.
He stated that it poses a serious threat to the country's judicial system and even to the communal harmony and brotherhood of the nation.
Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the Chief Justice of India has, through sheer hard work and dedication, risen to this position, adding that such a dastardly act is truly condemnable and that it is aimed at undermining the judiciary.
The Chief Minister further stated that the state government is maintaining a strict vigil on the law and order situation in the wake of the upcoming festive season, and no one will be allowed to disrupt it.
He said that being a border state, several forces inimical to the peace, progress and prosperity of the state try to disturb the law and order in it. However, he said that the nefarious designs of such forces will not be allowed to succeed and they will be given a befitting reply, adding that the state Government has made elaborate security arrangements in the wake of the upcoming festive season and no one will be allowed to take the law into their hands.
The Chief Minister stated that the Punjab Police is fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of the state's people, and no one will be allowed to disrupt the law and order situation. He said that though the anti-social elements always try to create trouble in the state, the Punjab Police is fully capable of giving them a befitting reply.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people should celebrate the upcoming festivals with full religious fervour and gaiety, adding he extended his best wishes to them.
Expressing deep concern over the adulteration of food products ahead of the festival season, the Chief Minister said that he had directed the health department to launch an intensive drive to check it. He also urged the traders to ensure that the sweets and other goods sold during the festive season are free from adulteration and of high quality. Emphasising the importance of good health, Bhagwant Singh Mann underscored the need for adopting organic products and exhorted people to make them a part of their daily routine.
Taking a dig at former minister Navjot Sidhu for re-entering politics, the Chief Minister said that anyone was free to join or leave politics whenever they felt like it. He said that it is heartening that Sidhu has once again remembered Punjab from his other engagements, adding that nothing new and good can be expected from the former cricketer as he is expected to repeat his earlier agenda.
Bhagwant Singh Mann extended his best wishes to the cricketer-turned-politician for his new political journey.
Appealing to the people of Punjab to observe caution during the festival of lights- Diwali, the Chief Minister urged all citizens to celebrate a safe and eco-friendly "Green Diwali."
He noted that the festival often sees a rise in cases of eye injuries due to firecrackers, adding that people should exercise caution while celebrating this pious festival. Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that this festival of lights would bring prosperity and progress for every citizen of the state.
Reacting to the opposition's criticism of the government over the floods, the Chief Minister said that the opposition is unnecessarily blaming the Punjab government out of frustration.
He added that floods are a natural calamity and have not occurred for the first time in the state, noting that no individual can be blamed for this natural catastrophe, which has also affected states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and others.
Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the assessment process (girdawari) is underway, and compensation cheques will be distributed soon.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has already submitted its report to the Central Government regarding the huge loss caused by the floods. He said that the ball is now in the court of the centre, which should magnanimously release funds to put the flood-ravaged state back on track.
Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that, on its part, the state government is making all-out efforts to restore normalcy in the flood-affected districts as soon as possible.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of noted Punjabi singer Rajvir Jwanda, calling it an irreparable loss to the Punjabi music industry. He also mourned the death of eminent sportsperson and bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman, who also passed away on Thursday.
Bhagwant Singh Mann described the deaths of both these persons as unfortunate and a huge loss for the state.