Punjab Newsline | Patiala

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday made a significant statement regarding the Parvinder Singh Jhota case, saying that the state government had accepted all the legitimate demands of the deceased social activist’s family.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Patiala, Mann said the government had fulfilled its responsibilities sincerely. He added that the decision on whether to conduct a post-mortem examination of the body now rests entirely with the bereaved family.

Chief Minister also launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government, alleging that it had repeatedly undermined Punjab’s interests. He claimed that the Centre had attempted to curtail the state’s rights over Union Territory-related matters and reduce its representation and share in inter-state water management boards.

Mann further alleged that the Centre was withholding legitimate development funds meant for Punjab, thereby obstructing the state’s progress. Despite these challenges, he asserted that the state government remained committed to making Punjab prosperous, economically stronger and more developed.

Responding to a question about the political equations among opposition parties, Mann took a swipe at their alleged double standards on the issue of drug abuse.

He said that while opposition parties had recently taken out marches against drugs, they were also preparing to share political platforms with leaders facing serious allegations.

Questioning the message such political arrangements would send to the public, Mann said that making strong claims about combating drugs while moving towards alliances for political interests was contradictory.

Chief Minister claimed that the people of Punjab understood the political positions of these parties and would respond at the appropriate time.

His remarks covered three key issues: the Jhota case, Punjab’s relations with the Centre, and the opposition’s approach to the anti-drug campaign.