PunjabPolitics – Political Tensions Rise Over Remarks, Administration Delays, and Education Push

PunjabPolitics – Punjab’s political landscape witnessed renewed debate this week as controversies around public remarks, administrative decisions, and policy advocacy unfolded across the state. From criticism aimed at the chief minister’s comments to concerns over delayed postings of senior officers and a renewed push for environmental education, multiple developments have kept both political circles and civil society engaged.

Chief Minister’s Remarks Trigger Political Backlash

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann found himself at the center of criticism following comments related to Radha Soami Satsang Beas head Gurinder Singh Dhillon. Opposition leaders questioned the appropriateness of the remarks, arguing that the comments risked dragging religious figures into political disputes. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa publicly urged Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal to clarify the party’s position on the issue and explain whether the chief minister’s remarks reflected the party’s official stance.

The controversy gained momentum after Dhillon visited Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia at Patiala Jail. Following the meeting, Dhillon reportedly described the charges against Majithia as “false and baseless,” a statement that quickly sparked political reactions. Chief Minister Mann’s subsequent response to Dhillon’s comments drew sharp criticism from rival parties.

BJP and Opposition Leaders Respond

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, accused the chief minister of undermining his own office by engaging in public commentary about a religious figure. BJP leaders maintained that such remarks were unbecoming of a constitutional authority and could deepen divisions in an already charged political environment.

Opposition figures also pointed out that Dhillon’s visit to Majithia came shortly before the SAD leader was granted bail, adding to the political sensitivity surrounding the episode. The timing of the visit and the public statements that followed were seen as intensifying political tensions in the state.

Senior Officers Await Postings Amid Administrative Uncertainty

Alongside political disputes, questions have resurfaced over administrative management in Punjab. Several senior Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service officers have reportedly remained without postings for extended periods under the AAP-led government.

Harpreet Singh Sidhu, a 1992-batch IPS officer, has not been assigned a role since returning from central deputation, where he served as additional director general in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police. His lack of posting has drawn attention because he is senior to the current state Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav.

Similarly, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, a 2001-batch IAS officer, continues to remain without an assignment after being removed from the post of state home secretary in March last year. Sources indicate that several other senior officers have also faced prolonged periods without work since the change in government.

Speculation Over Reasons for Delays

While the state government has not officially explained the delays in postings, administrative circles suggest that internal disagreements or political considerations may be contributing factors. Some officials believe that differences with the chief minister’s office or party leadership at the national level could be influencing posting decisions. However, no formal statement has been issued to clarify the matter, leaving room for speculation and concern among the bureaucracy.

Call for Mandatory Environmental Education

In the Rajya Sabha, AAP member of Parliament and environmental activist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised a separate but significant issue, calling for environmental studies to be made a compulsory subject in schools across the country. Addressing the Upper House, Seechewal emphasized that early education plays a crucial role in shaping responsible and environmentally aware citizens.

He argued that introducing environmental awareness at the primary school level would help build a society better equipped to protect natural resources. Referring to teachings from Gurbani, Seechewal highlighted the fundamental importance of air, water, and earth to human existence. He warned that unchecked human greed has placed these essential elements under severe threat.

According to Seechewal, integrating environmental studies into the school curriculum is essential for ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for coming generations.