Ludhiana, October 23
Senior BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu today launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Congress, alleging that their conduct inside the Punjab Vidhan Sabha exposes a tacit understanding that stands in stark contrast to their public political posturing.
“Congress leaders make tall claims before the media outside the Assembly, but when it comes to confronting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inside the House, they appear completely helpless. What is the point of the PCC president and the Leader of the Opposition making big statements outside if they cannot hold the government accountable where it matters most? The people of Punjab deserve to know whether this is opposition or a convenient political arrangement,” Bittu said.
Questioning the proceedings of the concluding session, Bittu alleged that while the Chief Minister was given ample opportunity to speak, Congress failed to mount a meaningful challenge on Punjab’s pressing concerns. He also questioned the restrictions faced by MLAs attempting to raise issues, and the Speaker’s handling of their interventions.
“Punjab is burning with issues of drugs, law and order, unemployment and financial distress, yet Bhagwant Mann appeared more interested in discussing Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana. The Chief Minister must answer for Punjab instead of diverting attention to politics elsewhere,” he said.
Bittu challenged AAP to clarify whether it or its representatives had formally raised objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Punjab. “If AAP had genuine concerns about SIR, what objections did it submit to the Election Commission or the concerned electoral authorities? Let the party place its objections and supporting records in the public domain. Allegations before cameras mean little without facts on record,” he said.
Taking aim at the airport issue raised by the Chief Minister inside the Assembly and outside before the media, Bittu demanded that Mann disclose the complete facts, including the official communications and the circumstances surrounding the incident. “A Chief Minister represents the state and its people and is entitled to due protocol. If Bhagwant Mann believes that he was treated improperly, he must give clarity on the reported ₹50,000 customs duty.
“Bhagwant Mann has chosen to make this an issue before the people of Punjab. Now he must disclose why he was stopped, why ₹50,000 in customs duty was reportedly charged, and what the official record says. Every Punjabi has the right to know the truth. The Chief Minister cannot make serious allegations in public and withhold the facts that would allow people to judge the matter for themselves,” Bittu said.
In a separate programme, Bittu participated in a wedding ceremony organised for underprivileged girls in village Lamma Jattpura, in the Jagraon area. He blessed 11 couples on the occasion and extended his best wishes to them for a happy and prosperous married life.
