Chandigarh, 07 April (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday launched a strong attack on opposition parties, accusing them of conspiring to defame him due to jealousy over the work being done by the state government. He alleged that opposition leaders are working together to protect their own interests and are engaged in “musical chair politics,” while the AAP government is focused on fulfilling the aspirations of the common people.

Targeting former Chief Ministers Captain Amarinder Singh and Parkash Singh Badal, Mann claimed that they never stayed in official government residences and instead lived in their private palatial homes, ignoring public responsibilities. He further accused the Akali leadership of misusing religion for political gains and failing to address serious incidents like sacrilege cases in Kotakpura and Behbal Kalan.

Taking a swipe at the Akali Dal’s ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’, Mann termed it a “Parivar Bachao Yatra,” alleging that the party, after ruling for 15 years, is now trying to mislead the public. He also accused the Akalis of promoting mafia networks and the drug trade during their tenure.

Mann went further to criticize the historical role of Akali leadership, alleging links with British rulers and citing references to General Dyer and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

He also targeted Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling him disconnected from ground realities. Attacking Congress, Mann said the party is plagued by internal conflict, with leaders competing for power rather than focusing on public welfare.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH