Saini-Mann Clash Over “Fake Turban” Remark
Haryana CM accuses Punjab CM of insulting Sikh Gurus and Punjabis, demands an apology
- Bhagwant Mann criticised Nayab Singh Saini over his repeated visits to Punjab.
- Mann referred to Saini’s turban as a “fake turban” during his remarks.
- Saini called the turban a symbol of faith, respect and reverence for Sikh Gurus.
- The Haryana CM demanded an apology from Mann to the Gurus and people of Punjab.
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 15th Sept: A political confrontation has erupted between Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over Mann’s remarks describing Saini’s turban as a “fake turban” during his repeated visits to Punjab.
Reacting to the remarks, Saini said the turban is a matter of faith, respect and reverence for the Sikh Gurus. Speaking to the media at Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh after inducting several leaders into the BJP, he accused Mann of insulting the Gurus as well as the people of Punjab.
“For us, the turban is a symbol of respect for our Gurus. It is a matter of faith and respect,” Saini said.
He said the tradition of wearing the turban had been passed down by the Sikh Gurus and claimed that his government was working according to their teachings. Saini demanded that Mann apologise at the place where the Gurus adorned the dastaar and also apologise to the people of Punjab.
The controversy began after Mann criticised Saini over his frequent visits to Punjab. Mann questioned whether Saini was also the Chief Minister of Punjab and alleged that Saini kept a turban in his car and wore it after entering Punjab from Panchkula in an attempt to connect with people in the state.
“But Punjab’s people are not going to be pleased with such a fake turban,” Mann said.
Mann also responded to Saini’s earlier criticism that he only tells jokes. Defending the performance of his government, the Punjab Chief Minister said the work carried out during its four-and-a-half-year tenure could not be dismissed as merely telling jokes.
“If Nayab Saini does not know how to tell jokes, I cannot do anything about it,” Mann said.
The exchange has added a fresh flashpoint to the political contest between the neighbouring states, with Saini demanding an apology and Mann continuing to question the Haryana government’s political outreach in Punjab.
