New Delhi [India]: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reaffirmed his support for the ongoing farmers’ protest, stating that he will personally accompany farmers to their scheduled talks with the Central Government on May 4.
Speaking at the TV9 Summit, Mann highlighted that protesting for rights is a democratic right and lauded the Punjab government’s non-violent approach toward the farmers at the Shambhu and Khannauri borders.
Key Highlights from Bhagwant Mann’s Speech
🔹 On Farmers’ Protest:
- Expressed full support for the farmers’ movement.
- Assured that no force (lathis or water cannons) has been used against protestors.
- Reiterated that the demands are with the Centre, and questioned why Punjab should suffer losses due to the blockade.
🔹 On Drug Menace in Punjab:
- Denied adopting bulldozer action like in other states.
- Emphasized legal action against drug-funded properties.
- Acknowledged Punjab’s border state challenges, with most drugs coming from across the border.
🔹 On Kunal Kamra Controversy & Free Speech:
- Stressed that there is a thin line between sarcasm and abuse.
- Criticized decreasing patience in society, recalling how comedians like Raju Srivastava once mimicked leaders without controversy.
- Advocated for comedy to be taken in the right spirit.
🔹 On OTT & TRP Culture:
- Blamed OTT platforms and media houses for encouraging abusive language for TRP.
- Urged producers and directors to focus on meaningful scripts instead of relying on sensationalism.
Punjab Clears Farmer Protest Sites Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing
The Punjab Government informed the Supreme Court that it had cleared protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. Additionally, farmers’ leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his hunger strike after negotiations.
As tensions persist between farmers and the Centre, all eyes are now on the May 4 talks, where CM Bhagwant Mann is set to play a key role in bridging the gap.