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Chandigarh, Oct 28 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that since several political parties have raised objections to the special intensive revision (SIR) being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Election Commission should come forward and clarify the issue to maintain transparency and public trust.
Speaking to the media here, the Chief Minister said the ECI’s actions, especially the SIR exercise, should not give the impression of “vote theft” or any attempt to suppress the voice of democracy. He urged the Commission to respond to the concerns being expressed by various opposition parties instead of remaining a “silent spectator”.
CM Mann said that the Election Commission is bound to address all the objections raised by political parties to ensure that public confidence in democratic institutions remains strong.
Responding to a question, the Chief Minister alleged that Punjab was being wrongly held responsible for pollution in the national capital under the pretext of stubble burning as part of a well-planned conspiracy, whereas the reality was completely different.
He said that about 90 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of paddy is still yet to arrive in the grain markets, which clearly indicates that large-scale burning of stubble has not taken place in the state yet. Mann commented, “Those who are blaming Punjab for Delhi’s pollution forget that Haryana is midway between our state and the national capital, yet no one points a finger at it.”
The Chief Minister pointedly questioned why Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remained poor, while paddy straw had not been burnt in Punjab. He said that the food producers of Punjab are being unfairly maligned while no viable alternative for stubble management has been provided by the Centre.
Mann said the prime minister “can ensure a ceasefire at the international level but is less concerned about this major issue involving multiple states.” He said that despite Punjab’s contribution of 170 LMT paddy to the national pool this year – even after facing the devastation of floods – the Center never acknowledged or appreciated the state’s efforts.
The Chief Minister also accused the Central Government of adopting a step-motherly attitude towards Punjab, especially in this hour of crisis. He said the state has not yet received the flood relief package of Rs 1,600 crore announced by the Prime Minister. “To make matters worse, the Center is trying to adjust these funds from allocations made under other ongoing schemes,” Mann claimed.
He urged the central government to stop its discriminatory behavior towards Punjab, which he described as both the food bowl and the arm of the sword of the country.
Responding to another question, CM Mann said that despite several attempts, he had not been able to meet the Prime Minister, who was busy campaigning in Bihar.
The Chief Minister said, “I wanted to personally raise the issue of floods with the Prime Minister and also invite him to the events to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. However, since he is busy in Bihar, we are also ready to meet him and visit the election state to highlight the concerns of Punjab.”
–IANS
VG/PGH