"Of all people deported so far, 67 are from Punjab": BJP counters CM Mann's allegations amid deportation row

Amritsar (Punjab) [India], February 15 (ANI): After Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticised the Centre over the deportation of Indian citizens from the US, state BJP Vice President Fatehjung Singh Bajwa centred his claims, saying that 67 of the deported people are from Punjab.
He also questioned the Punjab government's inaction against illegal immigration and its failure to address unemployment and industry growth in the state.
Speaking to ANI, Bajwa urges CM Mann to focus on rehabilitating deported individuals through support for start-ups.
"Of all the people deported so far, 67 are from Punjab, and the rest are from other states. By politicising this, the CM is degrading his own state. What action has he taken against those who sent these people through illegal immigration? They are taking huge sums of money and sending the children to other countries. Immigration is the biggest industry in Punjab. What action has been taken against illegal immigration centres? This issue should not be politicised," he said.
He claimed that the families of Punjab are already under pressure as nothing was done when the people were leaving the state.
'Now the CM is making it political. They went there because of unemployment. What did the Punjab government do for employment? No industry is entering or investing in Punjab. The CM should rehabilitate them by offering them loans for opening startups," Fatehjung Bajwa added.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann came hard on the Centre over the deportation of Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the United States, and said that Amritsar is being chosen deliberately to portray that only Punjabis are illegal migrants.
CM Mann claimed on Friday that the second plane carrying Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the US will land in Amritsar on Saturday.
He also highlighted that Pakistan, an enemy country of India, is very near to Amritsar, posing a threat.
He questioned the Centre as to why Ahmedabad or any other place was not chosen.
"Sheikh Hasina landed in Hindon, Ghaziabad. Why can these (Indian citizens who allegedly illegally migrated to the US) be landed in Hindon? They should be landed in the National Capital; we will bring our people from there. Amritsar is being chosen deliberately to portray that only Punjabis are illegal migrants. Why is Ahmedabad or Ambala not chosen? BJP always conspires to defame Punjab. They don't let international flights operate from Amritsar, claiming that it is not suitable for it, so why are flights coming in from the US now?" he added.
"I will strictly oppose this. I demand to the MEA and the MHA that the plane is still onboard, change the route and make it land in Delhi, Hindon or Ahmedabad," CM Mann said. (ANI)