Amritsar, February 15, 2025 — A political controversy has erupted following Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's allegations that the central government is deliberately defaming Punjab by choosing Amritsar as the landing site for deportation flights carrying illegal Indian immigrants from the United States. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed these claims, attributing the decision to logistical considerations.
Chief Minister's Allegations
Addressing the media in Amritsar on Friday evening, CM Mann questioned the rationale behind selecting Amritsar for these flights. He suggested that the move was politically motivated to portray Punjabis in a negative light. Mann stated, "Why are these planes landing in Punjab? What is the kind of message you're trying to send? Are you trying to send a message that every illegal immigrant to the USA is from Punjab?"
Mann further emphasized that illegal immigrants hail from various states, including Gujarat and Haryana, and questioned why the flights were not directed to other locations such as Delhi. He accused the BJP-led central government of seizing every opportunity to malign Punjab's image.
BJP's Rebuttal
In response, BJP's state general secretary, Anil Sarin, refuted Mann's allegations, labeling them as "useless politics." Sarin pointed out that a significant number of deported individuals are indeed from Punjab. He cited data indicating that in the first plane carrying approximately 100 passengers, 33 were from Punjab, and in the subsequent flight of 119 deportees, 66 hailed from the state.
Sarin argued that the focus should be on addressing the root cause of illegal immigration, particularly the role of unscrupulous travel agents who facilitate such movements. He challenged the Punjab government to disclose actions taken against these agents, stating, "The issue is who sent these people to America illegally. By spending lakhs of rupees, these people pay travel agents to go abroad illegally. Punjab government should tell what action has it taken against those travel agents."
Logistical Considerations
Addressing the choice of Amritsar as the landing site, BJP leaders highlighted logistical reasons. They noted that Amritsar's airport is geographically closer to the United States, making it a practical choice for such flights. This explanation counters the notion of any deliberate attempt to single out Punjab.
Political Repercussions
The issue has sparked a broader political debate, with opinions divided across party lines. While some leaders within the INDIA bloc support Mann's concerns, suggesting that the Centre's actions may unfairly target Punjab, others dismiss his assertions as baseless. This division indicates the complex nature of immigration issues and their political ramifications.
Implications and Future Actions
The controversy underscores the sensitive nature of immigration and the challenges associated with illegal movements. Chief Minister Mann's allegations bring attention to the potential stigmatization of specific communities or regions. Conversely, the BJP's emphasis on logistical reasoning and the prevalence of illegal immigration from Punjab highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to address the issue.
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