BJP will reimpose farm laws if voted to power in Punjab: CM Mann

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday accused the BJP of harbouring an "anti-Punjab mindset" and warned that the party would reimpose the contentious farm laws if voted to power in the state.Addressing a Lok Milni programme at village Manki in Samrala, Mann alleged that the BJP, Akali Dal and Congress had "betrayed" Punjab for decades through divisive politics, corruption and anti-state decisions."How can BJP seek votes in Punjab after sacrificing farmers at the borders?" Mann asked, claiming that unlike previous govts, the AAP administration was spending public money on welfare schemes, jobs, healthcare, education and development works. He also announced Rs 50 lakh for development projects in the village.The chief minister alleged that Punjab had repeatedly faced discrimination under BJP-led governments on issues including Panjab University, Chandigarh, BBMB, the SYL canal, RDF funds and Republic Day tableaux. He also criticised the move to make Punjabi optional and Sanskrit compulsory in Army schools in Punjab.Claiming that BJP thrived on "politics of division", Mann urged people to reject attempts to create communal polarisation ahead of the elections. "Punjab has already seen dark days in the past, which derailed the development of the state," he said.Launching an attack on the Akali Dal, Mann alleged that every vote for the party would amount to "a mandate in favour of sacrilege", referring to the Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura firing incidents during the SAD-BJP regime.