CM Bhagwant Mann accuses farmer leaders of illegal fundraising, challenges them to live debate

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday accused certain farmer leaders of illegally collecting money from small farmers and using it to build personal properties. His remarks sparked strong reactions from the unions, prompting Mann to challenge them to a live public debate.

The comments were made during Mann’s two-day visit to Bathinda, which began on Friday. While addressing a gathering of halke panches and sarpanches at a local hotel, the Chief Minister alleged that some union leaders are misusing public sentiment and “running their shops” by blocking roads and trains over what he called “absurd issues.”

“Some farmer leaders have built big properties by raising money from small farmers. These unions are not working for farmers’ welfare but are exploiting their trust,” Mann said.

Responding to the outrage from farmer unions, Mann said he is ready for an open, live debate to expose the truth.

Targeting the opposition, Mann also took a jibe at Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, claiming there was “no dialogue left in the Badal-Majithia family.” He said, “Now that I’ve pointed it out, Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Majithia have started speaking, but the truth remains.”