Deportation Debacle: Punjab’s Probe into Political Play
The arrival of another aircraft carrying deported Indian immigrants has ignited a fresh round of political firestorms, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann firing salvos at the Centre. Accusing the BJP-led government of malicious intent, Mann questioned the choice of Amritsar as the landing site for these flights.
“Why Amritsar, a city associated with our history and pride? Is this calculated to cast aspersions on Punjab?” Mann demanded. “It’s not just about the landing site; it’s about the perception that illegal immigration is a Punjabi problem,” he lamented.
Statistics reveal the diverse origins of the deportees: 67 from Punjab, but substantial numbers also from Haryana, Gujarat, and other states. Yet, the focus, according to Mann, has been disproportionately on Punjabis. “Interviews of deportees from other regions are conspicuously absent from national media,” he observed.
Mann’s accusations have been met with denials from the BJP, which dismisses them as politically motivated. “Amritsar is simply the closest international airport for flights from the US,” BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal claimed. “Mann is politicizing the issue for his own gains.”
Undeterred, Mann remains adamant in his belief that the Centre is engaging in selective targeting. “Illegal immigration is a societal issue that transcends state boundaries,” he asserted. “Why the deliberate portrayal of it as a Punjabi phenomenon?”
The Chief Minister has also raised concerns about the lack of communication from the Ministry of External Affairs on the matter. “I’ve repeatedly sought clarifications, but there’s been deafening silence,” he said, questioning the government’s accountability.
“Is it politics to demand answers for our people? If so, I’ll continue to do my duty 24/7,” Mann declared. He further challenged the rationale behind not landing the deportation flights in major national airports, if they can accommodate foreign dignitaries and military aircraft.
In the meantime, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has maintained the government’s position that every country is obligated to repatriate its citizens who are found to be living illegally abroad. Whether the Centre’s actions are motivated by political aspirations or a genuine concern for national security remains the subject of intense debate.
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