Bittu slams Bhagwant Mann for politicking deportation
What's the story
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre of trying to "defame" Punjab by selecting Amritsar as the landing site for deportation flights from the United States.
A flight carrying 119 deported Indian nationals is expected to arrive at Amritsar Airport, including 67 from Punjab.
Mann questioned why Amritsar was selected, hinting at a political motive behind the decision.
Allegations made
Mann alleges Centre's discrimination against Punjab
He alleged the Centre discriminates against Punjab and uses such opportunities to malign the state's image.
The CM also pointed out that illegal immigration isn't limited to Punjab but is being made to look like that.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu slammed Mann for politicizing the matter.
Bittu defended the landing of US military aircraft in Amritsar saying Punjabis are known for their hospitality and broadmindedness.
Counter-argument
Bittu questions Mann's efforts against illegal immigration
Bittu also questioned Mann's efforts to dismantle illegal immigration networks in Punjab.
The BJP denied Mann's allegations, accusing him of using the issue for political mileage.
In this vein, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal advised Mann against politicizing sensitive issues.
BJP national spokesperson RP Singh also clarified that Amritsar is the nearest international airport for US-bound flights entering India.
Ongoing criticism
BJP criticizes Mann's government over unemployment, illegal immigration
Further, BJP leaders slammed Mann's government advising him to focus on restoring the state's glory and tackle unemployment instead of creating unnecessary controversies and sensationalizing the issue.
They asked what action has been taken against those who are facilitating the illegal migration.
BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged travel agents are exploiting Punjabi youth, forcing them to sell their lands to migrate illegally.
Deportation defense
Jaishankar defends government's stance on deportation
Defending the government's position, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said countries have an obligation to take back their nationals living illegally abroad.
He added deportations were carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement under standard procedures since 2012.
The controversy has also been criticized by several political leaders, including some from Congress, who called Mann's statements attempts to create headlines without substance.