Chandigarh, April 3 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday criticized AAP MP Raghav Chadha, stating that he believes Chadha is "compromised," pointing out that he has gone against the party's instructions.
Mann stated that if Chadha is unwilling to address issues such as the "deletion" of votes in West Bengal, stage a walkout in Parliament on important issues, or raise concerns about the arrest of several AAP volunteers and leaders in Gujarat, then he is violating party discipline and disregarding the party whip.
During a press conference here, Mann was responding to questions about AAP MP Raghav Chadha, who had stated that he had been "silenced, not defeated," a day after being removed as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha.
In response, the AAP accused Chadha of avoiding raising issues against the Centre in Parliament and instead engaging in "soft PR".
Criticizing Chadha, AAP national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda questioned whether someone who "fears" Prime Minister Narendra Modi can effectively advocate for the country.
In response to being asked if he believed Chadha was "compromised," Mann replied, "Yes." Mann explained that it is not uncommon for parties to change their leaders in Parliament.
Regarding Chadha's removal as the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Mann said, "When I was first elected (in 2014 from Sangrur Lok Sabha), Dr (Dharamvira) Gandhi (the then AAP MP who is now with the Congress) was appointed leader of the party's parliamentary board. Later, I also held this position. Therefore, the party makes such decisions."
Mann stated, "When we participate in debates in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, many decisions are made collectively, such as staging a walkout. But if anyone disregards party instructions or fails to comply, it is a violation of the whip. If you go against the party whip, action will be taken."
In response to Chadha's remark about being "silenced," Mann stated that if there is a party line on any issue, such as in Gujarat, where 160 AAP volunteers and leaders have been booked, and if someone wishes to speak, there are other issues to consider, such as MSP, GST, and other concerns.
"But, if instead of addressing those issues, someone raises concerns about samosa prices or pizza delivery, wouldn't you question whether the person (Chadha) is speaking from a different perspective?" he said.
Mann stated that they will formally lodge a strong objection with the Gujarat chief minister regarding the arrest of AAP volunteers.
He added, "They have been arrested on false charges, and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter. Once the Gujarat chief minister provides an opportunity to meet, we will go and express our strong objections."
In response to questions about the explosion that occurred near the Punjab BJP headquarters here on Wednesday, the chief minister replied, "Anything wrong happening in Chandigarh, they blame it on me. Earlier, if something happened in Delhi, they used to blame Arvind Kejriwal."
On Wednesday, around 5 pm, an explosion occurred near the BJP's Chandigarh office, causing damage to several vehicles parked nearby. No casualties were reported.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Punjab Arhtiya (commission agents) Association, Mann responded that the association had raised concerns regarding their demands.
Mann stated that their demands related to the Central government, and they should address these with them.
Mann stated that his government has repeatedly raised these issues with the Centre.
In response to Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini's frequent visits to poll-bound Punjab, Mann said, "Don't worry, my programs for Haryana are also being scheduled."
Mann stated that over the past several days, he has been providing a "report card" of various departments as part of his government's fourth anniversary.
Mann stated that over the past four years, 65,264 government jobs have been created, including 16,308 in the education department, 12,966 in the Punjab Police, 8,306 in the power department, and 6,176 in the health and medical education department.
Unlike previous regimes, where favoritism prevailed, Mann stated that all jobs have been awarded purely on a merit basis.
Over the past four years, more than seven lakh jobs have been created by private companies.
The Punjab Police, which has a strength of 80,000, Mann stated, "We are creating 10,000 new posts, and we aim to increase the force's strength to 1.25 lakh."
Earlier, opponents had claimed that the Mann government wouldn't last beyond one year, he said.
"Now, in 2027 (after the Punjab Assembly elections), they will say that the AAP won't return to power in 2032," he added, emphasizing that the party is committed to making Punjab a number one state in all fields.