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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Friday strongly condemned the attempt to hurl shoe at the Chief Justice of India, B R Gavai, and termed it “a consequence of anti- Schedule caste (SC) tirade of the BJP”. The CM was interacting with the media on the sidelines of filing of nomination by industrialist Rajinder Gupta for the Rajya Sabha by-election.
Mann also said the “saffron party has been trying to harm the interests of people from weaker and underprivileged sections through its venomous propaganda”. “The incident is a result of this venomous propaganda. It is a serious threat to the judicial system of the country and even to the communal harmony and brotherhood of the country. The Chief Justice of India has through sheer hard work and dedication arisen to this position and such a dastardly act is really condemnable adding that this act is aimed at undermining the judiciary.”
The CM also said the state is keeping a strict vigil on the law and order situation amid the festive season. He said the state government has made elaborate security arrangements and the Punjab Police is prepared to ensure the safety and security of the people.
Expressing deep concern over adulteration of the food products ahead of the festival season, Mann said he had directed the health department to start an intensive drive. He also urged the traders to ensure that the sweets and other goods are free from adulteration and of high quality. Emphasising the importance of good health, Mann underscored the need to adopt organic products and encouraged people to make them a part of their daily routine.
Appealing to the people of Punjab to observe caution during Diwali, the CM urged all citizens to celebrate a safe and eco-friendly “green diwali”. He also highlighted that the festival often sees a rise in eye injuries cases, urging people to exercise refrain while celebrating this pious festival.
Taking a dig at former minister Navjot Sidhu for becoming active in politics again, the Chief Minister said “anyone was free to join or leave politics whenever he or she felt like it”. Sidhu has once again remembered Punjab from his other engagements, he said, adding that nothing new and good can be expected from the cricketer-turned-politician as he is expected to repeat the earlier agenda. He also extended his best wishes to him for his new political journey. Reacting to the opposition’s criticism against the government over the floods, the CM said the opposition is blaming the Punjab government out of frustration. He also said floods are a natural calamity and have not occurred for the first time in the state. No individual can be blamed for this natural catastrophe in states including Himachal and Uttarakhand, he said.
Mann stated that the process of assessment (girdawari) is underway, and compensation cheques will be distributed soon. The CM also said the state government has already submitted its report to the Central government regarding the loss due to the floods. Mann said the state is making efforts to restore normalcy in the flood affected districts, and the Centre should also release funds.
The Chief Minister also expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of noted singer Rajvir Jwanda, calling it an irreparable loss to the Punjabi music industry. He also mourned the death of eminent sportsperson and body builder Varinder Ghuman who also passed away on Thursday.
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