CM Mann calls Hasina a dictator, sends a message to Centre

His statement led to a volley of criticism from the leader of Opposition Partap Bajwa who reminded him that Sheikh Hasina was the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father

Amid the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has used the sudden ousting of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implying that “dictators” face similar fates.

Speaking in Hoshiarpur at the state-level Van Mahotsav function on Tuesday, Mann referred to Hasina as a dictator and commented on the transient nature of autocratic leadership. He remarked, “The abrupt end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year regime in Bangladesh serves as a lesson that dictatorial rule cannot last forever.”

Although Mann did not directly name PM Modi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) later clarified that his remarks about Hasina were intended as a jab at Modi. AAP spokesperson Neel Garg explained, “The Chief Minister was
conveying a message to the ruling dispensation at the Centre that dictatorship meets a similar fate. This has happened in the neighbourhood, and India should take heed. The CM’s intention was only to convey this message.”

However, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa interpreted Mann’s remarks as an attack on Hasina, objecting to her being labelled a dictator and emphasising her democratic election.

“She is a guest in our country. Instead of making her feel at home, CM Mann called her a dictator. Such comments are highly deplorable,” Bajwa stated.

Bajwa also highlighted that Hasina is also the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and first president of Bangladesh. After her father’s assassination in 1975, Sheikh Hasina sought and received refuge in
Delhi.

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Garg responded, “I don’t understand why Bajwa reacted this way. Didn’t we see a similar narrative in the Lok Sabha elections? Wasn’t Congress’s Rahul Gandhi leading a campaign against dictatorship in India? What has the CM said that’s different? Is it not the same message?”

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He added, “If you don’t listen to people and imprison opposition leaders, this is bound to happen. Look at India’s state of affairs—unemployment is rampant, and the fallout from demonetisation is evident. Rulers can act
autocratically. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, although democratically elected, is an autocratic leader. The INDIA bloc has even called Modi a Hitler. What happens when you don’t listen to people? Look at how the farmers are being treated.”

The Congress and AAP have shared a common stance in Punjab on calling PM Modi a Hitler and advocating for his ousting.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, CM Mann stated, “These polls are crucial. If people miss this opportunity, like in Russia with Putin, it will be all about ‘me, me, me,’ and the opposition will vanish.”

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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