Op/Ed: Is Bhagwant Mann Answerable to His Supporters?

Bhagwant Mann was quick to gain popularity early in his career as a comedian and stage performer. He however gained increased fame and support during the recently contested Lok Sabha elections in which he achieved a massive victory over two senior politicians contesting from Sangrur.

Bhagwant Mann’s speeches were well received not just in parts of Punjab, but also online.  His team lead a successful social media campaign, spreading Mann’s courageous voice to Punjabis living Worldwide.  In a short time, a new leader had emerged who showed valour to challenge even the mightiest politicians.  Bhagwant Mann didn’t just gain popularity amongst Punjabis, even Sikhs who would otherwise shun Indian politics were quick to give him recognition.  Bhagwant Mann has been referred to as the second incarnation of Shaheed Bhagat Singh by many.  But there are many reasons why he has such linking by the Punjabis, especially the Sikhs.

Before the elections, Bhagwant Mann addressed many of his political rallies with “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.” Instead of slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” Sikh Jaikara of “Bole So Nihaal” was heard roaring in many of his speeches.  Although Bhagwant Mann does not represent the Sikhs, he has continued to take up Sikh related issues.  He expressed solidarity with the cause of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, repeating the same when he voiced outrage over lack of medical treatment for Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara.  Just recently, he took up the matter of connecting all five Sikh Takhts by train, to make the pilgrimage easy and affordable for all.

Expressing such bold views however comes at a price, and Bhagwant Mann has had to deal with growing criticism that he feels is largely due to propaganda by state sponsored media.  While Sikh24 appreciates efforts by Bhagwant Mann for betterment of Punjab, we feel that the Aam Aadmi Party leader is answerable to his supporters directly.

Why Honest Politicians Must Shun Even Recreational Drinking

Bhagwant Mann has received much “publicity” for accompanying the Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal at Sri Damdama Sahib.  The PTC (a channel owned and operated by the Badal family) and “Pehredar” newspaper recently carried a news blaming Bhagwant Mann for being drunk at the Gurdwara.  Although Bhagwant Mann has termed this as false, the small video footage of him inside the sanctum does hint at possible alcohol influence.  Baltej Pannu, a renowned journalist who has done immense work at exposing the drug cartels in Punjab, rebuffed the news.  He stated that he was present at Sri Damdama Sahib when the incident took place, and aside from one reporter, no one else noticed Bhagwant Mann under influence of alcohol. 

Bhagwant Mann has denounced such claims and offered to undergo a dope test, and challenged a number of other Punjab politicians to do the same.  However, Bhagwant Mann has not come out clearly on the fact if he does drink or not, even if recreational.  Considering the current situation that Punjab is going through, politicians need to devote their lives to curb the drug menace and therefore, honest politicians must publicly shun even recreational drinking.

A Comment Made Years Ago Still Requires Apology

A video has surfaced online, apparently from a few years old, which shows Bhagwant Mann changing the Sikh slogan of “Raj Karega Khalsa Aaki Rahe Na Koe” to “Marasi Rahe Na Koe”.  Although the comment was made jokingly, it is not too different from what the Akali Minister Bikram Majithia had done in support of Arun Jaitley, when he changed Gurbani to state “Arun Jaitley Ki Jeet Karo”.   Sacrilege of Gurbani should never be taken lightly and before Bhagwant Mann gets dragged into the issue furthermore, he should offer a public apology to come out clean.