Haryana ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ Nayab Singh Saini has strongly criticised ਪੰਜਾਬ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ Bhagwant Mann for his recent remarks on Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ Narendra Modi’s foreign visits. Calling Mann’s statements “inappropriate” and a blow to democratic values and the dignity of constitutional offices, Saini demanded that Mann apologise to the nation.
The controversy began when Bhagwant Mann, during a speech on Thursday, mocked Modi for celebrating an award from a foreign country with a population of just 10,000, while allegedly ignoring the pressing concerns of ਭਾਰਤ’s 140 crore ਲੋਕ. Mann continued his criticism in the ਪੰਜਾਬ Assembly on Friday, questioning the ਸਰਕਾਰ’s foreign policy and asserting his right to raise such issues.
The Ministry of External Affairs also took note of Mann’s remarks, calling them “irresponsible” and distancing the ਸਰਕਾਰ of ਭਾਰਤ from what it described as “unwarranted” comments by a “high state authority” that could impact ਭਾਰਤ’s relationships with friendly nations.
Taking to social media on Friday night, Saini said that Mann had insulted not just the Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ but also the faith and leadership of the ਲੋਕ of ਭਾਰਤ. He urged Mann to focus on issues like drug abuse, corruption, and rising debt in ਪੰਜਾਬ instead of commenting on international affairs.
Saini praised Modi’s leadership, citing ਭਾਰਤ’s vaccine diplomacy during the Covid-19 pandemic and the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians. He said it was due to Modi’s strong global vision that ਭਾਰਤ now stands alongside developed nations.
Quoting Mann’s earlier remarks, Saini said it was not only a breach of dignity but also a mockery of international diplomacy. He urged Mann to maintain the decorum expected of someone holding a constitutional post.
Despite the backlash, Mann remained defiant, reiterating in the assembly and to the media that he had every right to question the Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ’s foreign visits and policies. He alleged that such visits often benefit certain business groups and said he would continue to raise such questions in the future.
