New Delhi [India], June 18 (HBTV): Haryana Minister Anil Vij criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent remarks on Operation Sindoor, saying that Mann’s background as a comedian was evident in his attempt to inject humor into serious political matters.

‘The Punjab Chief Minister was a comedian before joining politics. He wants to do comedy in politics, too. Such issues should be taken seriously and should not be mocked,’ said Vij, referring to Mann's controversial statement likening Operation Sindoor to a 'One nation, one husband' scheme.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also condemned Mann’s remarks, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of sympathising with Pakistan and questioning the party’s patriotism.

‘The statements show how cheap and vile things the Aam Aadmi Party and their Chief Minister can say. The NDA government at the Centre has defeated Pakistan, and you are not able to tolerate it. Will you say anything to show that you stand with Pakistan? The country will not forgive you for the words you used against PM Modi today,’ Bittu said.

BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa also lashed out at Mann’s remarks, calling them ‘shameful’. In a self-recorded video, Bajwa said, ‘Comedians look good on stage, but Bhagwant Mann does not understand the value of the CM's chair. What kind of joke is this? I think it is shameful for the CM to joke about such a thing.’

The criticism comes in response to Bhagwant Mann’s comment earlier in the day where he said, ‘Did you not see the kind of fun made of sindoor? What is this — one nation, one husband scheme?’ His statement, seen as a jibe at the BJP and its promotion of Operation Sindoor, sparked strong reactions across party lines.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Following India’s strikes, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and drone attacks targeting civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. India responded by neutralising Pakistan's air defence systems, radar facilities, and communication centres, inflicting heavy damage across 11 airbases in Pakistan.

On May 10, an understanding on cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced.

(ANI)