Selective Compassion, Shameless Politics: Bhagwant Mann’s Disastrous Governance Exposed – Pritpal Singh Baliawal

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): BJP Punjab Spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal has sharply criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government for its blatant hypocrisy and failure to address the real concerns of Punjab’s citizens. Baliawal accused CM Bhagwant Mann of practicing selective compensation based on political convenience rather than genuine empathy.

“Victims of the tragic poisonous liquor incident in Amritsar — a disaster that resulted from corruption, administrative failure, and the protection of AAP’s own liquor mafia — were swiftly compensated with ₹10 lakh each, offered government jobs, and even received a personal visit from CM Bhagwant Mann. Why? Because AAP leaders and their close associates are directly implicated, and the government is desperate to protect its image with money, jobs, and empty gestures of sympathy,” said Baliawal.

“In stark contrast, consider the recent drone attack in Ferozepur — a Pakistan-sponsored act of war that claimed the lives of innocent civilians and left others severely injured. These victims received only ₹5 lakh, no government jobs, and not even a visit from the Chief Minister. Why the silence? Because this tragedy does not involve his political allies, and thus, Mann has no use for it to cover up his own failures — so he chooses to remain silent and disappear like a coward,” he added.

Baliawal pointed out the stark difference in the government's response: “This is not governance; this is political opportunism. When it suits you, you bend the rules, shower people with jobs, and make PR visits. But when Punjab’s true martyrs are in need, you vanish. Human lives are weighed in political convenience under your rule, not in the spirit of humanity.”

Baliawal further revealed that a woman injured in the Ferozepur drone attack has now succumbed to her injuries, while her husband remains critically ill in Ludhiana. “This is an act of war, and yet, the Punjab government has abandoned its own people. While CM Mann made multiple trips to indulge in trout meals, he didn’t spare even a moment to visit the families affected by this national security crisis. Punjab has been left orphaned by its own Chief Minister.”

He praised BJP Punjab President Sunil Jakhar for showing true leadership by personally visiting the families of the victims. “While the state government failed them, the BJP stood by the people,” said Baliawal.

Baliawal also criticized the government for its delayed response to the illicit liquor tragedy, which has now claimed 21 lives in Majitha. “After these tragic deaths, the government is resorting to making announcements through loudspeakers, urging people who drank the liquor to get medical tests. This is a reactive, ineffective approach to a grave issue.”

He reminded CM Mann of his previous statements during similar incidents: “When tragedies like these occurred in the past, you were quick to demand murder charges against the CM and excise officials. What happened to those principles now? Have you forgotten your own words?”

Concluding his remarks, Baliawal stated, “Mr. Mann, we know you won’t resign, but at least have the decency to face your failures. Punjab is watching, and Punjab will not forgive you.”