Amid ongoing tensions over the farmers’ agitation in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday voiced firm support for the movement and announced that he would personally accompany farmers for discussions with the Central Government on May 4. Speaking at the TV9 Summit, Mann underlined that peaceful protest is a democratic right and called for dialogue rather than suppression.
Key Highlights:
Firm Stand with Punjab’s Farmers
Addressing the farmers protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, Mann said:
“I totally support the farmer’s protest. Fighting for their rights is everyone’s democratic right. I will personally take the farmers to the meeting on May 4 with the Centre.”
He emphasized that the Punjab Government has not used force such as water cannons or lathi charges against the protesters. “We have dealt with them with love,” Mann added.
He clarified that while the issue lies between the farmers and the Central Government, Punjab had to reopen its borders due to the economic disruption caused by prolonged blockades.
“The demand is from the Centre, so why are the people of Punjab facing the problems?”
SC Update and Protest Status
The Punjab Government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that it had cleared the protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders near Haryana. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who was on a fast unto death, has since ended his hunger strike.
War Against Drugs, Not Bulldozers
On internal challenges, Bhagwant Mann addressed the state’s drug crisis, stating that Punjab has avoided bulldozer-style enforcement but is fully engaged in a legal war against drug abuse and trafficking.
“We have not adopted any bulldozer action in Punjab. Ours is a border state, and most drugs come from across the border. We’re acting within the law, including taking action against properties acquired with drug money.”
Kunal Kamra and Free Speech
Responding to recent controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra, the Chief Minister distinguished between satire and offensive speech, calling for greater tolerance in public discourse.
“There is a difference between sarcasm and abuse. Patience in the country has decreased… comedy should be taken as comedy. Earlier, people used to laugh at political mimicry. Today, people fight over small things.”
Concerns Over OTT Content and TRP Culture
Mann also took aim at the current content trends on OTT platforms, warning against rising vulgarity in pursuit of high viewership.
“Today, TV has broken families. Abusive language is used just to gain TRP. There should be no need for censorship, but producers must take responsibility and write meaningful scripts.”
Bhagwant Mann Takes Center Stage
With firm positions on farmers’ rights, internal governance, and cultural discourse, bhagwant mann is emerging as a prominent voice in both state and national issues. His promise to personally accompany protesting farmers for dialogue with the Centre on May 4 marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to mediate the crisis peacefully.
Whether in battling the drug menace, advocating for free speech, or calling for media accountability, Mann’s statements reflect a multi-front leadership strategy as Punjab navigates a politically sensitive and socially complex period.
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