Chandigarh: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday criticised the Centre over foreign policy, gas supply concerns and the issue of drug smuggling, saying several problems affecting Punjab are the result of policy failures at the national level.
Speaking to reporters, Mann said if the possibility of conflict in West Asia was already known, the central government should have prepared in advance by storing adequate gas supplies. Referring to the ongoing tensions involving Iran and Israel, he questioned why precautionary measures were not taken earlier.
The chief minister also criticised India’s foreign policy, claiming that despite frequent foreign visits by Narendra Modi, the country has been unable to shield itself from the impact of international developments. He alleged that decisions were being taken on a day-to-day basis instead of through a consistent diplomatic strategy.
Mann further said excessive concentration of power in a few hands could weaken democratic functioning and warned that such a trend could lead to authoritarian tendencies.
On the issue of drug smuggling, Mann said narcotics often enter the country from across the border and questioned the Centre’s role in preventing it. He pointed out that border security comes under the jurisdiction of the Union government led by Amit Shah.
He also referred to major drug seizures at ports, including the Mundra Port, and said such incidents highlight the need for stronger action by central agencies to curb smuggling routes.
