Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a sharp critique of the ruling BJP at the Centre, stating that anyone who voices an opinion contrary to the party’s narrative is immediately branded as “anti-national.” Addressing media persons at his official residence in Chandigarh, CM Mann questioned the democratic values being undermined in the country by what he termed as political intolerance towards dissent.
Speaking pointedly about Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, Mann said it was unfortunate and ironic that Bittu labeled his views on Operation Sindoor as echoing those of Pakistan. The Punjab Chief Minister defended his stance, asserting that raising questions in a democracy is neither unlawful nor unpatriotic. He called Bittu’s remarks irrational, especially considering that the Union government itself had quietly withdrawn the earlier plan to send Sindoor to every household — a symbolic initiative that was meant to commemorate a claimed military victory.
Mann challenged Bittu to confront his own party leadership about this rollback rather than targeting those who question the policy. He said this flip-flop exposes the inconsistency and theatrical nature of such announcements. “Is it not ironic that someone who questions such propaganda is painted as anti-national while those who roll back such policies are spared any scrutiny?” he asked.
The Chief Minister further raised questions about the central government’s decision to send representatives abroad to proclaim victory in what it termed as a military operation. “For the first time in the world’s history, a government is dispatching envoys across nations to advertise their win in a conflict. If there was a real victory, it would have spoken for itself. There would be no need to sell it globally,” he added, pointing out the performative nature of such diplomacy.
When asked about the recent arrest of a YouTuber in Punjab, CM Mann clarified that digital content is regulated under central laws, and such actions typically fall under the Union government’s domain. However, he assured that any activity found to be genuinely anti-national within the state’s jurisdiction would be dealt with firmly and lawfully. He emphasized that no one involved in anti-national actions would be spared, and strict action would be taken under the law.
The Chief Minister’s comments come at a time of increasing national concern about the shrinking space for dissent, with social media crackdowns, symbolic nationalism, and the politicization of patriotism dominating the discourse. Mann’s remarks underscore growing friction between regional leadership and the central government, as states push back against what they perceive to be overreach and narrative control from New Delhi.
In a democracy, Mann said, citizens and elected leaders must have the liberty to raise questions without fear of being branded unpatriotic. “True patriotism lies in holding power accountable, not in blind obedience,” he concluded.
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