In a recent television interview, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed long-standing allegations of alcoholism leveled against him by his political opponents. Mann, known for his straightforward approach, questioned how he could still be alive if he had been consuming alcohol day and night for the past 12 years. He rhetorically asked, “Tell me something. Can a person be still alive if they have been drinking day and night for the last 12 years? They are not alive, no? So is my liver made of iron?”
Mann further dismissed these allegations as baseless, claiming that when his opponents have nothing substantial to criticize, they resort to such personal attacks. He highlighted his commitment to his duties by mentioning his early morning routine, where he wakes up at 6 am and promptly attends to official matters. According to Mann, his dedication has resulted in significant progress in Punjab over the past year and a half, surpassing accomplishments that had not been achieved in the preceding 70 years.
The controversy surrounding Bhagwant Mann’s alleged alcohol consumption dates back to January 2019 when he made a public pledge to quit drinking in the presence of his mother and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal. However, despite his declaration, the accusations have persisted. In one instance last year, opposition leaders claimed that Mann was so intoxicated during a flight to Germany that he was deboarded, causing delays. The AAP has consistently refuted these allegations.
Other incidents where Bhagwant Mann was accused of being drunk include occasions in Parliament, at a funeral, and at a gurdwara. These claims have fueled a negative perception of the Chief Minister, tarnishing his image in the eyes of some.
Adding to the scrutiny, Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently referred to Bhagwant Mann as Kejriwal’s pilot, suggesting that while Punjab’s law and order situation deteriorates, Mann has been touring the country like a trusted aide to the Delhi Chief Minister.
While allegations of alcoholism continue to surround Bhagwant Mann, he remains steadfast in denying these claims, asserting that his accomplishments in office are a testament to his sobriety and commitment to serving the people of Punjab. The ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the Chief Minister’s personal life are likely to persist as political rivals attempt to tarnish his reputation and discredit his achievements.
As the political landscape in Punjab heats up, the allegations against Bhagwant Mann underscore the intense nature of Indian politics, where personal attacks often replace substantive policy discussions.
Sources By Agencies