Exposing another misdeed of Majithia clan, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that the greed of Akali leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia's ancestors have branded Sikhs as 'horse thieves' and this sin of these traitors is unforgivable. Addressing the gathering during a function to distribute appointment letters 251 newly recruited youth at Municipal Bhawan in Sector 35, the Chief Minister said that when Jawaharlal Nehru was Prime Minister of India in 1957, a delegation, led by him, toured Arab countries.
He said that the delegation included then Deputy Defence Minister Surjit Singh Majithia, a forefather of Bikramjit Singh Majithia. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that, presenting souvenirs to the Indian army, the king of an Arab country gifted them magnificent Arabian breed horses. The Chief Minister said that these horses were supposed to be sent to the training at the army training center in Meerut.
However, he said that two months later, the Arabian king, upon inquiring about the horses, discovered that they were not in Meerut. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the king expressed his displeasure to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru over the matter, leading to the immediate termination of Surjit Singh Majithia.
The Chief Minister said that this incident tarnished the image of the Sikhs, who were known across the globe for their nationalism, valour and heroism. He bemoaned that it is disheartening that even today, when a turbaned Sikh visits the training center in Meerut, he is seen as a horse thief.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that everyone knows that Majithia family was a stooge of Britishers and was conferred the title of Sir by them for hobnobbing against the patriots who fought for the country. The Chief Minister said that the family had feted General Dyer, the perpetrator of Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, by hosting a dinner for him after this heinous incident.
He said that this act had exposed their anti-national and anti-Punjab mindset and character. Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that not only this the Majithia family also ensured that General Dyer was also bestowed siropa and forgiveness at Golden Temple.
The Chief Minister said that it is even more shocking that Jathedar Arood Singh, the one who had granted the siropa, was the maternal grandfather of Lok Sabha MP Simarjit Singh Mann. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed, "History cannot be wiped out; the dubious characters of Majithia's ancestors are etched on the pages of history."
He said that the hands of the Majithia family are drenched with the blood of the patriots and the role of these traitors in backstabbing the nationalists can never be forgotten. Pointing to the dire state of affairs within the Akali Dal, the Chief Minister said that the party is a sinking ship and people don’t trust them any more.
He unequivocally said that people won’t forgive the Akalis for their sins against Punjab and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Akali Dal is today a ‘divided house’ and a situation has even reached where Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bikram Singh Majithia and Harsimrat Badal no longer share the same view.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that after assuming the office his government has successfully provided employment to 37,934 youth so far in various departments. While handing over appointment letters to 251 candidates from various departments, he emphasised that all 37,934 appointments were given based on merit to deserving candidates.
Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the transparent selection process, where these youths secured employment through rigorous and highly competitive examinations. The Chief Minister reiterated that the primary objective of the Punjab government has always been to empower the youth by providing job opportunities and expanding their rights.
Expressing satisfaction with the amplified job opportunities for girls, he urged a shift in perception towards girls, stressing that girls are now leading in all fields. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has taken several path breaking initiatives for women empowerment in Punjab.
The Chief Minister expressed happiness that reverse migration has started in Punjab, with numerous youngsters returning from abroad to secure government jobs within the state.Bhagwant Singh Mann said that, in reality, the youth of state are deeply attached to their roots in Punjab.
However, in the past, he said that they were compelled to seek opportunities overseas due to lack of job opportunities provided by the system in the past adding that the current scenario offers youth the chance to pursue jobs of their preference, ensuring a more secure future in Punjab.
Coming down heavily on political leaders for backstabbing the Punjabis and misleading them by calling Punjab's coffers empty, the Chief Minister said that in fact, the treasury was never empty, but they governed to plunder public money to fill their own coffers and of their family members.
Describing the post of Chief Minister as of public service, he said that this role is not for personal comfort but is committed to serving the public dedicatedly at all times. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is familiar with the on-the-ground realities in Punjab due to this he took several decisions for the betterment of the state and its people.