Congress Criticizes Mann Govt's "Authoritarian Approach"; Questions Lok Milni Effectiveness

The Congress on Monday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, accusing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of adopting an “authoritarian approach” and failing to effectively address governance challenges, including the growing drug menace in the state. The remarks came after a ‘Lok Milni’ programme held in Saneta, which opposition leaders claimed did not fulfil its intended purpose of direct public engagement.

Former Punjab minister Balbir Singh Sidhu described the event as a “police milni", alleging that heavy security presence prevented ordinary citizens from interacting freely with the chief minister. Addressing mediapersons, Sidhu claimed that instead of listening to public grievances, the chief minister delivered a speech from the मंच, limiting meaningful dialogue with attendees.

Sidhu further alleged that local MLA Kulwant Singh did not raise key constituency issues during the programme. He questioned the purpose of organising such outreach initiatives if public participation is restricted, stating that people were reportedly not allowed to approach the chief minister due to tight security arrangements, undermining the spirit of the event.

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The Congress leader also raised concerns about alleged suppression of dissent, claiming that a woman attempting to speak during the programme was interrupted and silenced. He argued that such incidents indicate a broader trend of curbing critical voices in the state, which he said runs contrary to democratic values and open governance.

On the issue of drugs, Sidhu accused the state government of failing to take decisive action against the spread of "chitta", a term commonly used for synthetic drugs in Punjab. He alleged that the administration has focused more on publicity efforts rather than implementing effective measures to curb the problem, despite its continued impact on communities across the state.

Sidhu also criticised the announcement of a ₹40 lakh grant for the area, calling it inadequate and lacking clarity regarding its utilisation. He highlighted development works undertaken during the previous Congress government, including infrastructure and healthcare projects, and alleged that the current administration has fallen short across sectors such as electricity, employment, healthcare, and law and order, warning that the opposition may intensify its protests if public concerns remain unaddressed.

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