Bhagwant Mann Criticizes Centre Over Law and Order Claims Amid Highway Project Disputes

Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, criticized the Centre for blaming law and order issues in Punjab while threatening to terminate highway projects. He attributed delays to inadequate compensation for land acquisition offered by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Mann compared law and order situations in Punjab with BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh.

Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, strongly criticized the central government on Wednesday for its claims about law and order issues in Punjab, which were cited as reasons for potentially terminating highway projects in the state. Mann urged the Centre to better manage law and order in BJP-governed Uttar Pradesh instead.

Mann further argued that the real issue lay in the 'inadequate' compensation offered by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for land acquisition. He emphasized that farmers were unwilling to part with their land due to unsatisfactory compensation rates.

Responding to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's warnings about delaying or terminating projects, Mann pointed out that Punjab hasn't seen curfew in over two years, unlike some BJP-ruled states. He asserted that Punjab's land rates are higher, and adequate compensation must be provided for acquiring land in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)