I-Day speech from behind bulletproof glass: Oppn attacks CM Mann over ‘poor’ law and order in state
Aparna Banerji
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, August 16
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has come under heavy criticism of the Opposition following his decision to deliver Independence Day speech from behind a bulletproof glass in Jalandhar on Thursday.
A huge bulletproof glass screen — encased in a stainless steel frame — was set up in front of the podium of Mann amid security concerns reportedly flagged by the police.
The Opposition leaders said why the CM delivered his speech from behind a bulletproof glass if the law and order wasn’t a concern?
Congress’ Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh wrote on X, “What message does Chief Minister @BhagwantMann, who delivers daily speeches in rallies, wants to send across the country today on Independence Day through the ‘Bulletproof Stage’? Has Punjab become unsafe? This change has happened for the first time in 70 years!”
BJP state general secretary Parminder Singh Brar shared on X, “For the first time ever, a bulletproof cover has been deployed for Punjab Chief Minister @BhagwantMann during his address at Independence Day event. What does such arrangement and cover deployment reflect towards the law and order situation of Punjab? It is a critical situation to ponder upon.”
SAD general secretary Parambans Singh Romana said, “In a first, a bulletproof enclosure for a Punjab CM on Independence Day function! Sir, you said that leaders who are afraid should buy a poultry farm. A poultry farm is on sale in Faridkot. Should I buy it for you? Will get a discount.”
Another Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira posted on X, “Dear @BhagwantMann how about opening a ‘murghi-khana’ (poultry farm) as suggested by you for leaders who need too much security in politics? Happy Independence Day!”
He alleged that AAP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, had made tall promises on refusing security.
He said, “AAP leaders are travelling in a Rs 100 crore bulletproof convoy. They’ve made a joke of VIP culture.”
If law and order was not an issue, then why did Mann spend Rs 16 lakh on the bulletproof cabin? said Khaira.
