The North News
Chandigarh, October 29
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to clarify doubts surrounding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, after several political parties raised objections to the process. Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh on Tuesday, Mann said the actions of the ECI should not appear to be an attempt at “vote theft” or an effort to “muzzle the voice of democracy.” He urged the constitutional body to respond to opposition concerns rather than remain a “mute spectator.”
“The Election Commission is duty-bound to address every objection raised by political parties to ensure people’s faith in democracy remains intact,” Mann said.
Addressing questions on stubble burning and pollution in Delhi, the Chief Minister alleged that Punjab was being unfairly blamed for deteriorating air quality in the national capital. He argued that around 90 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were yet to arrive in Punjab’s mandis, suggesting large-scale stubble burning had not yet taken place.
“Those accusing Punjab forget that Haryana lies between our state and Delhi, yet it is never blamed,” Mann said, questioning why Delhi’s Air Quality Index remains poor even when stubble burning has not begun.
Mann also criticised the Centre for failing to provide viable alternatives to stubble burning. “The Prime Minister can ensure ceasefires on international fronts but seems unconcerned about resolving this inter-state issue,” he remarked, adding that despite Punjab contributing 170 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the national pool this season—even after devastating floods—the state receives little acknowledgment from New Delhi.
The Chief Minister further accused the Union government of showing “step-motherly treatment” towards Punjab by withholding flood relief funds. He said the state had yet to receive the ₹1,600 crore announced by the Prime Minister and claimed that the Centre was trying to adjust the relief from other ongoing schemes.
“The Centre must stop this maltreatment of Punjab, which is both the food bowl and the sword arm of India,” Mann asserted.
Responding to another query, Mann said he had been unable to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss flood-related issues and invite him to the events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. “If the Prime Minister is busy with election campaigning in Bihar, we are even ready to go there to raise Punjab’s issues,” he added.
