Saini Rebukes Mann Over 'Fake Turban' Jibe, Accuses AAP of Misleading Punjab

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has pushed back strongly against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's "fake turban" jibe, framing the dastar as an article of faith rather than a political statement.

In remarks made during an interview, Saini said he chooses not to respond in detail to everything Mann says, citing his reverence for the Sikh Gurus. He described the turban as a symbol of faith, respect and honour, tied to the teachings and tradition of the Sikh Gurus, and said his association with that tradition is long-standing.

Saini pointed to his participation in programmes linked to the Sikh Gurus and recalled a Veer Bal Diwas event at Kurukshetra, which he described as a place connected with the footsteps of the Gurus. He said he has worn the turban on such occasions, underlining that it is not a political act for him.

The exchange is the latest flashpoint in a running political row between the two chief ministers over Saini's visits to Punjab. Mann had questioned Saini's decision to wear a turban during those visits and described it as a "fake turban".

Saini hit back by accusing Mann of insulting the people of Punjab and Punjabis around the world, and questioned whether the Punjab Chief Minister understood the state's culture and traditions.

Broadening his attack, Saini targeted Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that Kejriwal continues to wield significant influence over Punjab's governance despite being based in Delhi. He accused Kejriwal of running propaganda about Punjab and Punjabis before audiences in India and abroad, and said it appeared as though Kejriwal was still running the state government.

Saini also raised the issue of drugs in Punjab, referring to a video in which Mann spoke about the number of people arrested in drug-related cases. He questioned how such a large number of arrests could be accommodated given the limited capacity of Punjab's prisons, and asked whether the government had properly understood the process and timeline involved in handling such cases.

The Haryana government has separately accused the AAP government in Punjab of failing to deliver on its promises on drugs and employment.

Saini has been campaigning on the drug issue in Punjab. On September 21, he took part in the Nasha Virodhi Yatra in Fazilka, where he said the fight against drugs should centre on protecting the state's youth.