Chandigarh, September 15, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday criticised the Union government for what he termed “double standards” in its dealings with Pakistan. He said that while cricket matches between the two countries were permitted, Sikh devotees were being stopped from travelling to Nankana Sahib on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purb.
In a live address, Mann said the Centre’s reasoning was contradictory. “On one hand, matches are being played with Pakistan. On the other, Sikh Jathas are barred from visiting Nankana Sahib. Players claim they avoided shaking hands with Pakistani cricketers but how is this logic? Playing together yet refusing basic courtesy seems bizarre,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister further questioned Union Minister Anurag Thakur’s claim that the cricket match was a “compulsion.” “What kind of compulsion justifies cricket but denies devotees the right to worship?” he asked.
Mann also accused the Centre of ignoring Punjab’s needs, pointing out that aid was swiftly dispatched to Afghanistan during its crisis, but no such help came when Punjab suffered floods. He urged BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Bittu to seek an explanation from the Union government on the issue.
CM Mann Questions Centre on Blocking Sikh Pilgrims While Allowing Cricket with Pakistan
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