In a scathing critique that has ignited political tempers nationwide, BJP National Sikh leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal has issued a blistering rebuke of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, denouncing his mocking statements about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic outreach to key nations in the Global South. Grewal’s forceful words highlight a growing rift between state-level theatrics and the dignity expected from holders of constitutional office.
Blatant Disrespect Toward Diplomatic Initiatives
Addressing the media in Ludhiana, Grewal labeled Mann’s behavior as “shameful, immature, and intoxicated”, stating that the Punjab CM’s flippant tone and irresponsible jibes made during a public address not only belittled India’s foreign policy but also disgraced the office he holds.
Referring to Mann’s sarcastic distortion of country names — ‘Magnesia’ and ‘Tarvesia’ — Grewal said, “This isn’t satire. This is a drunken mockery of serious diplomatic engagement. While Prime Minister Modi is building robust strategic alliances with nations like Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Brazil, Argentina, and Namibia, Bhagwant Mann is on a public platform reducing these efforts to punchlines.”
PM Modi’s Foreign Visits: A Strategic Leap Forward
The Prime Minister’s recent foreign tours are widely recognized as part of a strategic recalibration of India’s international priorities, particularly with countries in the Global South. From discussions on trade cooperation with Brazil, energy partnerships with Argentina, and diaspora engagement in Trinidad & Tobago, to deepening bilateral ties in Ghana and Namibia, these visits are part of a broader geopolitical vision.
Grewal underlined that “these engagements are about reinforcing India’s global image as a responsible leader”, and the mockery made by Mann tarnishes the credibility India has worked to build over decades.
Reckless Behavior Unbecoming of High Office
Grewal minced no words, declaring, “It is disgusting that a man widely known for his history of public intoxication continues to treat the responsibility of his office like a comedy act. The Chief Minister of Punjab is not a stand-up comic. His statements reflect not only poor taste but also a deep contempt for constitutional decorum and foreign policy discipline.”
This marks yet another instance where Bhagwant Mann’s conduct has drawn criticism for undermining the gravitas of his role. Grewal stressed that such conduct has no place in public service, let alone in the chair of a Chief Minister representing one of India’s most prominent states.
India’s Reputation at Stake on Global Platforms
By ridiculing international outreach efforts, Mann not only offended the Union Government but also jeopardized India’s diplomatic reputation in the eyes of its international partners. Grewal emphasized, “These are not casual visits. They are high-level state engagements. His mockery is an insult not just to the Prime Minister but to every Indian who believes in the nation’s global growth story.”
He added that such behavior during a period when India is actively pursuing multilateral partnerships and South-South cooperation sends “a dangerous and wrong signal to the world” about how united India is in its external affairs.
MEAs Strong Response Draws Applause
Grewal praised the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar for swiftly condemning Mann’s comments. “The MEA’s stance was both timely and necessary,” he said. “Allowing such mockery to pass unchallenged would only embolden more such reckless behavior from politically immature actors.”
He further added that Dr. Jaishankar’s clear and principled rebuttal upheld India’s diplomatic dignity, contrasting it sharply with the indecorum displayed by Bhagwant Mann.
Accountability Demanded from AAP Leadership
Turning his attention toward Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Grewal launched a pointed query: “Is this the model of governance you are selling to the rest of India? Where Chief Ministers belittle international diplomacy and insult the very image of Indian leadership on the world stage?”
He continued, “Kejriwal must answer whether he condones this behavior or if he has the integrity to call out his party members when they damage the country’s reputation.”
From Satire to Sabotage: When Jokes Go Too Far
While humor in politics is not new, Grewal contended that there’s a vast difference between constructive satire and disrespectful ridicule. “When the Prime Minister is abroad representing 1.4 billion Indians, strengthening economic ties and creating new avenues for cooperation, to mock those very efforts is to sabotage national interest,” he said.
He described Mann’s comments as “theatrics under the influence”, accusing him of treating national diplomacy like a late-night skit, rather than the serious statecraft it truly is.
Public Apology and National Accountability Demanded
Grewal made it clear that mere condemnation is not enough. He called upon Mann to publicly apologize to the Prime Minister, to the Indian people, and to the international community for undermining India’s foreign relations. “This cannot go unanswered,” he insisted. “The nation demands accountability, not excuses or justifications.”
Further, he called on Arvind Kejriwal to initiate disciplinary action within the party, noting that continued silence would equate to endorsement. “Kejriwal must demonstrate whether he prioritizes party loyalty over national honor,” Grewal added.
The Chief Minister’s Role: More Than a Microphone
Reminding the nation of the solemn responsibility attached to the Chief Minister’s chair, Grewal stressed, “It is a position of constitutional gravity and national visibility. It’s not a stage for personal indulgences or drunken comedy. Bhagwant Mann has disrespected the mandate of the people of Punjab and dishonored the traditions of Indian federal leadership.”
He noted that Mann’s behavior reflects a troubling pattern of flippancy, one that has begun to raise concerns even among political neutrals and civil society.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Democracy
Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal’s remarks are more than just a partisan attack — they are a stark reminder of the importance of dignity, discipline, and diplomacy in public life. As India rises on the global stage, internal coherence and leadership maturity become non-negotiable. When elected leaders treat high-level diplomacy with contempt, they do not just embarrass themselves — they drag the nation down with them.
The issue is not about political rivalry; it is about national integrity. Leaders who fail to rise to the occasion must be called out — clearly, loudly, and without compromise.
