BJP Critiques CM Mann's Allegations of 'Defaming Punjab' Over US Deportee Flights to Amritsar
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Synopsis
BJP spokesperson RP Singh refuted Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's claim that recent deportee flights to Amritsar are aimed at defaming Punjab. Singh emphasized the proximity of Amritsar's airport for such flights and urged Mann to focus on real issues instead of political rhetoric.
Key Takeaways
- BJP's RP Singh defends flight landings at Amritsar.
- CM Mann alleges defamation of Punjab by the central government.
- Concerns raised over security implications of deportee flights.
- BJP accuses Mann of political theatrics instead of addressing root causes.
- Upcoming flight to bring more deportees to Amritsar.
New Delhi, Feb 15 (NationPress) BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh sharply countered the assertions made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who alleged that the recent and upcoming landings of deportees from the US at Amritsar's Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport were part of a scheme to tarnish Punjab's reputation. In a statement on the social media platform X, Singh elucidated, "Amritsar is the nearest international airport for flights arriving in India from the USA. Hence, the US plane carrying illegal immigrants is landing here. Cease politicizing this matter and spreading conspiracy theories due to your ignorance."
Singh's comments were directed at CM Mann's remarks during a press conference held on Friday, where he accused the BJP-led central government of intentionally attempting to defame Punjab by selecting Amritsar as the destination for these flights.
The Punjab Chief Minister expressed unease over the arrival of a military aircraft from the US carrying deportees and raised questions about the potential security risks associated with such flights.
Mann also highlighted that while there has been a disregard for the demand for direct flights from Amritsar to Canada or the US, a US military plane is landing in the area, posing a possible threat to Punjab's security.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also voiced his concerns regarding this issue, condemning Mann's perspective.
In communication with IANS, Chugh stated, "I would like to inform Bhagwant Mann that these innocent children of Punjab, who were misled, should not be held accountable for how or why they went, or who orchestrated their journey. It is the agents and middlemen who have ruined their lives. What measures have you implemented against these agents? Instead of pursuing these fraudulent travel agents, you are indulging in political theatrics. Your party has been in power for several years, with the Congress government for five years, and yet Punjab continues to operate at a financial loss. The industries, businesses, and service sector in the state are all in complete disarray."
The second group of 119 illegal immigrants from the US, which includes 67 individuals from Punjab, is scheduled to arrive at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on Saturday night via a special flight, according to officials.
The first group, consisting of 104 deportees, landed in Amritsar on February 5. The upcoming flight will comprise individuals from various states: 67 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 8 from Gujarat, and others from Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
