Mann backs Diljit: ‘Sardar Ji 3' filmed before Pahalgam attack'
Bhagwant Mann
on Tuesday came to the defence of Punjabi singer-actor
Diljit Dosanjh
, who has been under fire over his film 'Sardar Ji 3' starring Pakistani actor Hania Aamir.
Mann said the film's shooting had been wrapped up before the Pahalgam terrorist attack this April. The CM's statement came even as he projected
Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal as the future Prime Minister of India.
Speaking at a function to announce the extension of the state's health cover scheme, Mann cited shared Punjabi culture between the two nations to defend Dosanjh. He acknowledged the pain caused by the terorr attack, but criticised the decision not to allow the film's screening and accusations of Dosanjh being a "gadaar" (traitor), contrasting it with the upcoming visit of the Pakistan hockey team to India.
Mann implied a double standard, stating: "They use us like sheep and goats.
Fight now, now be alright."
Later, in a statement, Mann said Punjabis were unfairly targeted by "self-proclaimed nationalists", citing the example of Dosanjh's film. He criticised the Centre's handling of the recent conflict with Pakistan, saying that Punjab suffered adversely while the nation witnessed "political theatrics like Operation Sindoor".
"The Pahalgam incident was painful but the shooting for the film was done before it. Still, they say the film cannot be released and labelled him (Dosanjh) a 'gadaar' (traitor).
But now when Pakistan's (hockey) team will come to play, it is fine," he said.
Without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mann took a veiled jab, referencing leaders who "come sporting army caps". Criticising BJP, he said, "They even started distributing vermilion in Modi's name after 'Operation Sindoor'.
Wherever he goes, he says he has an old connection with that place. 'Jidde naal nata hai, ude naal baratda nahin' (He doesn't interact with the one he has a relationship with)."
Mann called Kejriwal "the future Prime Minister", envisioning a transformative change for the country under an "IIT pass out" leader and a former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer who understood the economics of the state. He drew a parallel to the US, suggesting Americans might be regretting their vote for Donald Trump, known for his wild statements, and claimed that both Modi and Trump had a similar style of functioning.
"Please live and let live," he said.
Boxes
Slams Bihar revision
In a reference to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) new directive on family details for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Mann criticised the move. "Modi saab is now asking for even names of grandparents to be able to cast a vote. If my mother's family migrated from Pakistan, how will she get her family data when ties with Pakistan are strained and no documents can be procured?" he said.
Laughs off Majithia twirl
Pointing to news cameras, chief minister Bhagwant Mann light-heartedly remarked that they sought his comments on SAD leader Bikram Majithia, but he would refrain. "It is the job of the judiciary," he stated. "I don't have to do anything." Gesturing Majithia's signature style of twirling his moustache, Mann concluded: "This doesn't work here."
Read this: 'Kejriwal Model'
The Punjabi edition of a book titled 'Kejriwal Model', authored by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) functionary Jasmine Shah, was launched at an event attended by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, and former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia on Tuesday. Shah contrasted the 'Kejriwal Model' with the 'Gujarat Model', stating that while the former revolved around public welfare, education, health, transport, and environment.
He added the Gujarat Model largely benefitted corporates.
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