Chandigarh, August 12
Opposition parties in Punjab today lashed out at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of indulging in “Petty politics” and “photo-ops” over his push for a 10-day parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in the assassination of former CM Beant Singh. The political storm erupted after Mann met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, urging him to grant parole to Hawara on humanitarian grounds. Mann had earlier written to the Governor making the same request. Immediately after Mann’s meeting with the Governor, senior Akali and BJP leaders called the move “shameful,” accusing Mann of seeking political mileage.
Former Punjab Minister and senior Akali leader Daljeet Singh Cheema told The News Gateway, “Just four months ago, an official communication had revealed that the Punjab government opposed Hawara’s release, citing 25 criminal cases and warning it could spoil Punjab’s atmosphere. Now, how come this sudden change of heart?” Cheema branded Mann’s move as “sheer opportunism” and “double standards.”
Venting his anger at Mann, Cheema said that using a human rights issue for political gains is unacceptable. Categorically stating that the Akali Dal also supports parole for Hawara, he remarked, “If the Chief Minister had genuine sympathy, he should have directed the district DC and SSP to clear the file immediately and process the parole. Things move through official files, not through photo-ops.” Calling Mann’s move “sheer opportunism, Cheema said, “The public understands this cheap and petty politics.”
Echoing the sentiment, BJP Punjab State Media Head Vineet Joshi said, “Law will take its own course. Anyone eligible for parole under the provisions of law should get it.” However, he added, “I am a little surprised. Just a few months ago, Bhagwant Mann’s government had submitted a report stating that granting parole to Hawara would deteriorate the situation in Punjab. How has this stance suddenly changed? This is not understandable.”