Political storm brews over plane landings in Amritsar

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR: The choice of Amritsar as arrival point for American planes carrying Indian deportees has become a hot-button political topic in Punjab, triggering a blame game between Congress, AAP, SAD, and BJP.

Congress questioned why the deportees were flown specifically to Amritsar, alleging a political motive behind the decision. "Why have they picked Amritsar, especially when the air route of the planes is from the eastern side and they are crossing over the entire country to reach Amritsar? Is the agenda to defame Punjab?" Congress spokesperson Alok Sharma asked. He also criticised PM Modi for remaining silent on the deportations.

Congress MLA Pargat Singh alleged Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann reacted only after Congress highlighted the flights landing in Amritsar. "AAP is following RSS agenda," he claimed.

For his part, Mann blamed "past govts' failures" for pushing youth to seek opportunities abroad. "Deportation from US should be a wake-up call. Instead of endangering their lives through illegal migration, they should contribute to Punjab's progress," he said. Mann claimed Punjab is experiencing "reverse migration", with youth returning from abroad for govt jobs. He said over 50,000 govt positions have been provided on merit in the past three years.

Punjab BJP vice-president and ex-MLA Arvind Khanna blamed AAP govt's policies and linked the deportations to broader issues in Punjab, such as unemployment and drugs.

SAD functionary Bikram Singh Majithia swiped at Mann, accusing him of "playing to the gallery" and indulging in "dirty politics" when US authorities are forcing Sikh youth to return without their turbans. He urged MEA to take action. Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh of AAP termed deportation of Indians in handcuffs and shackles "unfortunate".