CHANDIGARH, July 12 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday sharply criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his recent remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits, calling them “inappropriate” and a violation of democratic decorum. Saini urged Mann to issue an apology to the nation.
“Bhagwant Mann ji seems to have forgotten that he is commenting not only on the Prime Minister but also on the trust and leadership of 140 crore Indians,” Saini posted on X. “Instead of interfering in global politics, he should focus on his state, which is drowning in drug addiction, corruption and debt.”
Mann, while speaking in the Punjab Assembly and later to the media, questioned Modi’s overseas engagements. Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent visit to smaller nations, he said, “These countries have a population of 10,000, and he has got the biggest award there. Over here, that many people gather just to watch a JCB machine.”
The Punjab CM had made the initial comments on Thursday, triggering backlash from several BJP leaders. Repeating his criticism in the assembly on Friday, he said, “The PM has time to visit foreign countries but not to address the concerns of 140 crore Indians. Don’t we have a right to question foreign policy?”
Mann went a step further, alleging a link between the PM’s visits and corporate expansion abroad. “Wherever Modi goes, Adani’s business starts. Why don’t you accept that you go there to get someone business? We will ask. I will ask this again in the future,” he said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also responded, without naming Mann directly, stating that the Government of India “disassociates itself” from the “unwarranted” comments made by a “high state authority,” adding that such remarks undermine India’s relationships with friendly nations.
Reacting to this, Mann said, “The MEA has reacted. Don’t we have the right to ask questions about foreign policy? When our ties with Pakistan deteriorated, did any of those countries stand with us?”
Saini, reiterating his defence of the Prime Minister, cited Modi’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. “During a global pandemic like Corona, he not only acted as a shield to protect India but also delivered vaccines to many countries and brought back Indians safely under the ‘Vande Bharat Mission,’” Saini wrote.
Calling Mann’s tone a breach of constitutional propriety, Saini concluded, “His comments are not just linguistically inappropriate but also an affront to the dignity of constitutional offices. He should apologise to the nation.”
