New Delhi: During an interview amidst campaign for byelections in Punjab, Manpreet Singh Badal made a statement regarding farmers’ protest. Recalling his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Manpreet said he had bowed his head and told the Prime Minister that he carries Punjab in high regard.
Manpreet Singh Badal recalled the incident during the farmers’ protest when demonstrators replaced the national flag with Nishan Sahib at the Red Fort. According to Manpreet, Prime Minister Modi called the Union Home Minister Amit Shah at that time, urging him not to open fire on the protesters.
What Manpreet Badal said
Manpreet claimed PM Modi said “there is no difference between the tricolour and the Nishan Sahib, it is ours as well. If there is any violence, it will be a stain on my head.”
Manpreet went on to contrast this with Congress’ past actions, saying, “Congress once sent tanks to Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), yet the people of Punjab forgave them. We did nothing of the sort, yet we face backlash from Punjabis.”
Amit Malviya responds to Manpreet Badal’s comments
Following Manpreet Badal’s statements, Amit Malviya, a BJP leader, responded on social media. In a tweet, Malviya wrote, “They want to place Punjab on their heads,” referring to Manpreet’s comments on the Prime Minister’s regard for Punjab.
पंजाब को सिर पर बैठना चाहते हैं। pic.twitter.com/4ffTHCeawj
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 8, 2024
As campaigning heats up for byelections in Punjab, set to take place on November 20, all political parties are putting their full energy into rallies and voter outreach. Gidderbaha constituency is set to witness a three-way contest between Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Congress has fielded Amrita Warring, wife of Punjab Congress President and Ludhiana MP Raja Warring. AAP has chosen Dimpy Dhillon as its candidate, while BJP has nominated former minister Manpreet Singh Badal.
