Controversy Unfolds Over Deportation of Indians from the US

BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa accuses travel agents in Punjab of exploiting youth by sending them to the US illegally. Sirsa alleges bribery within the Punjab government and police. Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticizes the Centre for targeting Punjabis in deportation cases, while Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi supports Mann's claims.

Amid ongoing tensions regarding the deportation of Indian nationals from the United States, BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa voiced serious accusations against travel agents in Punjab, claiming they exploited young Punjabis by trafficking them to the US through illegal means. Sirsa further alleged that the Punjab government and police accepted bribes, collaborating with these agents.

According to Sirsa, many Punjabi youths sold their land to pursue dreams in America, only to be deceived and rerouted illegally by unscrupulous agents. Criticizing Bhagwant Mann's government, Sirsa accused them of exacerbating the issue, noting how institutions turned a blind eye, which he alleges led to widespread joblessness in Punjab.

In defense of Punjabis, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann harshly criticized the Centre, underscoring that Amritsar was targeted unfairly, potentially instigated by geographic proximity to Pakistan. Mann's critique suggests intentional bias, as he questioned why Ahmedabad was not similarly categorized. Backing Mann's stance, Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the disproportionate portrayal of Punjabis in these deportation narratives, implicating a broader systemic failure.

(With inputs from agencies.)