Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini has criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits, terming them “unwarranted” and an insult to democratic values and the dignity of constitutional posts. Saini demanded that Mann apologise to the nation.
Mann had on Thursday criticised Modi, saying he was celebrating the honour received from a foreign country with a population of 10,000 while ignoring urgent issues in a country of 140 crore people.
The remarks drew criticism from several BJP leaders, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also expressed displeasure, calling the comments “irresponsible.” Without naming Mann, the MEA said the Government of India “dissociates itself” from the unwarranted remarks made by a higher state authority, adding that such statements weakened India’s relations with friendly countries.
Despite the criticism, Mann reiterated his remarks in the Assembly on Friday, questioning the MEA’s response and asking if he did not have the right to question foreign policy.
“Bhagwant Mann ji seems to have forgotten that he is commenting not only on the Prime Minister but also on the trust and leadership of 140 crore Indians,” Saini wrote on X on Friday night. He added that instead of interfering in communal politics, Mann should focus on Punjab, which he claimed was “sinking into drugs, corruption and debt.”
Referring to Mann’s remarks, Saini said it was a violation of linguistic decency and an insult to democratic values and constitutional dignity. “He (Mann) should apologise to the nation for his inappropriate comments,” Saini said.
