CM Bhagwant Mann claims BJP targeted Diljit Dosanjh following refusal to join politics

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. File Pic

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday slammed the Centre over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, calling it a "betrayal" of lakhs of students whose dreams were shattered by repeated failures in the examination system.

Targeting the BJP, Mann alleged that after Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh refused to enter politics at the BJP's behest, a campaign of intimidation had been unleashed against him.

He asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party would seek a renewed mandate on the plank of "Rangla Punjab", highlighting free electricity, cashless healthcare and development-oriented governance as proof of delivery. The Assembly elections in Punjab are due early next year.

During a media interaction here, Mann said the NEET paper leak incident had shattered the dreams of lakhs of aspirants and exposed the Centre's failure to ensure a fair examination system. "Students had worked tirelessly and burnt midnight oil in the hope of cracking the examination, but the paper leak had dealt a severe blow to their aspirations," he added.

"The aspirants are in deep shock because the Union government has failed to prevent this fraud with their careers. Lakhs of hopes have been ruined due to this paper leak. The Centre should have ensured free and fair conduct of the examination," he told reporters.

Responding to another question, the CM said it was unfortunate that after ace singer Dosanjh declined to enter politics, the BJP had resorted to "intimidation tactics" against him. "After actor Vijay's success in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, the BJP had realised that artistes enjoy greater public acceptance and had therefore attempted to bring Diljit Dosanjh into politics," he said.

"Since he declined the BJP's offer, politics of intimidation has begun against him, which is unfair. Attacking his manager's house reflects this politics of threat," he added.

Mann said that carving out a "Rangla Punjab" would remain the sole poll plank of AAP in Punjab, asserting that the AAP government has undertaken several pro-people and development-oriented initiatives over the last few years. "Students from Punjab are excelling in competitive examinations like NEET and JEE, around 90 per cent of households are receiving free electricity, and people are getting cashless medical treatment worth Rs 10 lakh," he said.

"We will go to the people with the agenda of development, welfare and honest governance. Punjab is witnessing holistic development and the people are supporting these initiatives wholeheartedly. We will form the government again with a huge mandate," he asserted.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.