Strongly condemning the attempt to hurl shoe at Chief Justice of India, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that it is the result of anti- Schedule caste (SC) tirade of BJP.
Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of filing of nomination by eminent industrialist Rajinder Gupta to the Rajya Sabha, the Chief Minister also said that the saffron party has been continuously trying to harm the interests of people from weaker and underprivileged sections through its venomous propaganda adding that this incident is a result of this. He said that it is a serious threat to the judicial system of the country and even to the communal harmony and brotherhood of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Chief Justice of India has through sheer hard work and dedication arisen to this position adding that such a dastardly act is really condemnable adding that this act is aimed at undermining the judiciary.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government is keeping a strict vigil on the law and order situation in wake of the ensuing festive season and no one will be allowed to disturb it. He said that being a border state several forces inimical to the peace, progress and prosperity of the state try to disturb the law and order in it. However, he said that the nefarious designs of such forces will not be allowed to succeed and they will be given a befitting reply adding that the state Government has made elaborate security arrangements in wake of the upcoming festive season and no one will be allowed to take law in their hands.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Police is fully prepared to ensure the safety and security of the people of the state and no one will be allowed to disturb the law and order situation. He said that though the anti-social elements always try to create trouble in the state, Punjab Police is fully capable of giving them a befitting reply. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people should celebrate the upcoming festivals with full religious fervor and gaiety adding he extended his best wishes to them.
Expressing deep concern over adulteration of the food products ahead of the festival season, the Chief Minister said that he had directed the health department to start an intensive drive to check it. He also urged the traders to ensure that the sweets and other goods sold during the festive season are free from adulteration and of high quality. Emphasizing the importance of good health, Bhagwant Singh Mann underscored the need for adopting organic products and exhorted people to make them a part of their daily routine.
Taking a dig at former minister Navjot Sidhu for becoming active in politics again, the Chief Minister said that anyone was free to join or leave politics whenever he or she felt like it. He said that it is heartening that Sidhu has once again remembered Punjab from his other engagements adding that nothing new and good can be expected from the former cricketer as he is expected to repeat his earlier agenda. Bhagwant Singh Mann extended his best wishes to the cricketer turned politician for his new political journey.
Appealing to the people of Punjab to observe caution during the festival of lights- Diwali, the Chief Minister urged all citizens to celebrate a safe and eco-friendly “Green Diwali.” He noted that the festival often sees a rise in cases of eye injuries due to firecrackers adding that people should exercise refrain while celebrating this pious festival. Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that this festival of lights will bring prosperity and progress for every citizen of the state.
Reacting to the opposition’s criticism of the government over the floods, the Chief Minister said that the opposition is unnecessarily blaming the Punjab Government in frustration. He added that floods are a natural calamity and have not occurred for the first time in the state adding that no individual can be blamed for this natural catastrophe which has taken place in states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and others too. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the process of assessment (girdawari) is underway, and compensation cheques will be distributed soon.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government has already submitted its report to the Central Government regarding the huge loss that has been caused due to the floods. He said that the ball is now in the court of the centre which should magnanimously release funds to put the flood ravaged state back on the track. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on its own part the state government is making all out efforts to restore normalcy in the flood affected districts at the earliest.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of noted Punjabi singer Rajvir Jwanda, calling it an irreparable loss to the Punjabi music industry. He also mourned the death of eminent sportsperson and body builder Varinder Ghuman who also passed away on Thursday. Bhagwant Singh Mann described the death of both these persons as unfortunate and a huge loss for the state.
On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Sanjeev Arora, Lok Sabha MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and others were also present.