Amidst a surge in fatalities resulting from the consumption of counterfeit liquor in Sangrur, Punjab, the Opposition, represented by the BJP and Congress, has sharply criticized a video featuring Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann singing alongside Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh and singer-songwriter Babbu Mann.
The scrutiny intensified as the video surfaced amidst a concerning uptick in deaths attributed to tainted liquor, particularly in Sangrur, which was Mann's former parliamentary constituency until his resignation in March 2022. He now represents the Dhuri Assembly constituency within Sangrur.
Punjab BJP state president Sunil Jakhar lambasted the Chief Minister, drawing a parallel to the infamous historical account of Nero playing the flute while Rome burned. Jakhar's scathing remark, likening Mann's musical performance to Nero's indifference amid crisis, underscored the perceived lack of leadership during a time of escalating tragedy.
Accompanying his criticism, Jakhar shared the video of Mann singing from the front seat of a moving vehicle, with Sukhwinder Singh seated in the back.
Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa denounced the Chief Minister's handling of the law and order situation in Punjab, particularly in light of recent deaths attributed to illicit liquor consumption. Bajwa highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out fatalities in areas directly linked to the Chief Minister's home district.
Drawing attention to the deaths in Sangrur's Gujran village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Dirba police station, Bajwa called for accountability from the government, particularly from the Excise Minister, who oversees the affected area. He criticized the silence from both the Excise Minister and the Chief Minister, characterizing their inaction as brazen.
The Opposition's criticism underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action to address the spurious liquor crisis plaguing Sangrur and other regions in Punjab.
