Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh has launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following the controversy surrounding an alleged objectionable video linked to the Chief Minister.
Reacting strongly to the issue, Pargat Singh described the incident as “unfortunate” and questioned Mann’s conduct both inside and outside the Punjab Legislative Assembly. In a statement to the media, the Congress MLA said, “Bhagwant Mann doesn’t even maintain decorum in the state Assembly; he should resign.” His remarks add to the growing political storm engulfing the Punjab government over the viral video controversy.
The controversy has intensified in recent days after Sikh religious authorities, including the Akal Takht, took cognizance of the matter. Reports indicate that the Akal Takht has expressed serious concern over the alleged content of the video, with some Sikh leaders accusing the Chief Minister of hurting religious sentiments. The issue has quickly evolved from a political dispute into a sensitive religious and social matter in Punjab.
Pargat Singh’s criticism reflects the broader opposition strategy of holding the Chief Minister accountable on grounds of political morality and constitutional propriety. The Congress leader argued that public office demands the highest standards of conduct, especially from the Chief Minister, who also heads the state government and represents Punjab nationally. He alleged that incidents of this nature diminish the dignity of public institutions, including the state Assembly.
This is not the first time Pargat Singh has sought Mann’s resignation. In recent months, he has repeatedly targeted the AAP government over law and order concerns and governance issues, maintaining that the Chief Minister bears direct responsibility for administrative failures in the state.
Meanwhile, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Party leaders have accused opposition parties of exploiting religious institutions and controversies for electoral gains, while maintaining that the truth regarding the video will emerge through due process.
The escalating dispute has further deepened political polarization in Punjab, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the ruling party alleging a coordinated campaign to tarnish the Chief Minister’s image. As the controversy unfolds, its political and religious ramifications are likely to resonate across the state in the coming weeks