'Will Quit Politics If...': Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP's Claim Of CMs' Photos On Punjab, Delhi Tableaux

Mann denied Jakhar's claim that the government wanted Mann's and Arvind Kejriwal's photographs to be shown in the Republic Day parade tableau.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Source : Getty

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Friday that if State BJP chairman Sunil Jakhar proved his charge that he intended to use the state stage for personal gain, he would resign from politics, news agency PTI reported. Mann denied Jakhar's claim that the government wanted Mann's and Arvind Kejriwal's photographs to be shown in the Republic Day parade tableau. According to the CM, when Jakhar made these charges during a news conference here on Thursday, he stuttered like only a liar would.

Mann, on the other hand, expressed pity for Jakhar, who newly joined the BJP and was forced to "read out the script that was given to him." Jakhar had accused Mann of politicising the state's tableau's exclusion from the Republic Day procession, claiming that the AAP administration insisted on the tableau carrying his and Arvind Kejriwal's photographs, which was one of the reasons it was omitted from the R-Day event.

"The AAP government was adamant that Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann's photos should be on it, which is not allowed as per protocol. This was one of the reasons for the rejection of the Punjab tableau," Jakhar had said.

Speaking with media, Mann said: "Jakhar should give proof that Arvind Kejriwal or Bhagwant Mann's photos were to be put on the tableau. Do they think we are mad?"

⚠️BJP देश की सबसे झूठी पार्टी है ⚠️

Punjab CM @BhagwantMann जी ने BJP के @sunilkjakhar के झूठ की सारी पोल खोल दी 🔥 pic.twitter.com/58WQXXvcAX

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) December 29, 2023

"If Jakhar can prove it, I will quit politics," Mann stated, adding that if he fails "he should then also not enter Punjab."

Mann questioned why the BJP, which had shared power in the state with the Akalis, did not protest to Jakhar's allegation that there had been nine instances in the previous 17 years when Punjab's tableau was not included in the Republic Day parade.

After being "rejected," the Punjab tableau would be moved to Punjab Bhawan in Delhi on January 20, "and we will take it out on Delhi roads every day," the CM stated.

Mann stated that the entire world wants to witness Punjab's rich culture and the contribution of Punjabis to the liberation movement, but the Centre does not want tableaux depicting this or images of freedom warriors such as Bhagat Singh,  Lala Lajpat Rai, and Uddham Singh displayed.

"Will Modi now choose which tableau is to be shown and which not," he was quoted by PTI in its report.

Mann blasted the BJP-led Centre on Wednesday for failing to include the state's tableau in the Republic Day parade, calling it a move towards deleting the name Punjab from the national song.

"If they have their way they will take out the word 'Punjab' from the national anthem Jana Gana Mana," Mann had told reporters.

Mann stated that, like previous year, Punjab's tableau will not be included in the Republic Day parade on January 26.

"The Centre has discriminated against Punjab," Mann said.

Mann's decision to "politicise" the situation, according to Jakhar of the BJP, was regrettable.

Punjab is a border state, a sensitive state, and the Chief Minister is stirring up emotions by claiming that the Centre discriminated against Punjab, he added.