Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Criticised for Delhi Protest Amid Hooch Tragedy

New Delhi, Mar 23 - The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed its dismay over Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's decision to protest in Delhi amidst a tragic hooch incident in Punjab that has seen the death toll rise to 20. The party criticized Mann for his absence from the state during such a critical time and also questioned AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha's recent meeting in London with a British MP known for her support of K separatism.

The suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Punjab's Sangrur district has resulted in 20 fatalities, with six additional deaths reported on Saturday. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of eight individuals in connection to the incident. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra voiced the party's concern for the victims' families and criticized Mann for prioritizing a protest in Delhi over addressing the crisis in his state.

"It is not appropriate for the chief minister to leave his state to do drama in another state - Delhi - and make efforts to protect a corrupt person at a time when people are dying in his state," Patra stated during a press conference at the BJP headquarters.

Further controversy surrounds AAP leader Raghav Chadha, who was recently seen in London meeting with British Labour Party MP Preet K Gill. BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya took to social media to question Chadha's intentions and his choice of associations abroad, especially with figures known for their anti-India stance.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur also criticized the Punjab government and Chadha's actions, implying that associating with anti-national forces reflects poorly on their governance and priorities. "What kind of government is it in Punjab? An MP from the state stands with those forces who speak against India and support terrorism," Thakur remarked, highlighting the gravity of such associations.

The BJP's critique extends beyond political boundaries, touching on concerns of national integrity and the responsibilities of elected officials towards their constituents. The unfolding situation in Punjab, coupled with controversial international meetings, has sparked a debate on governance, priorities, and national security among India's political circles.