Is Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Glorifying Drugs and Corruption?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ravneet Bittu criticizes Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for past actions.
- Allegations of drug and corruption glorification.
- Impact on governance and public trust.
- International embarrassment due to CM's behavior.
- Claims of deteriorating law and order in Punjab.
Chandigarh, July 14 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Bittu on Monday criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of glorifying drugs, corruption, and criminal conduct due to his past as a comedian.
Bittu asserted that Mann’s previous performances still impact his governance, damaging Punjab’s institutions and its social structure.
He expressed concerns over Mann’s lifestyle and past actions, questioning his fitness for such a high office. Bittu alleged that the Chief Minister often appeared intoxicated, even during official engagements.
While commenting on a recent inter-state dialogue regarding water sharing with Haryana, Bittu informed the media that Mann seemed to be under the influence and struggled to communicate effectively.
Referring to a troubling incident at the Frankfurt airport, Bittu highlighted how Mann’s fall from intoxication caused his turban to slip, leading to international embarrassment.
Bittu stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had to intervene diplomatically to manage the repercussions.
He also played clips from Mann’s former comedy shows like “Jugnu Kehnda Hai” and “Jugnu Mast Mast”, claiming that they fostered bribery within the educational system, promoted illegal liquor trade, and misrepresented teachers and public servants.
“These performances weren’t simply harmless jokes. They conveyed alarming messages that eroded public confidence in institutions,” Bittu remarked.
He proceeded to highlight that in some skits, Mann, while acting as a fictional chief minister, openly supported drug distribution, electoral fraud, and using weapons to sway voters.
“What he once joked about is now policy under his administration,” Bittu said, connecting the satire to real-life allegations during the Ludhiana (West) assembly by-election.
Labeling the AAP government a “regime of propaganda and deception,” Bittu asserted that under Mann’s leadership, Punjab has seen a decline in law and order, a surge in drug dependency, and a significant drop in the quality of education.