'BJP-led Centre Defaming Punjab': CM Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over US Deportation Flights Landing In Amritsar

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann slammed the Centre over US deportation planes landing in Amritsar, asking why Amritsar airport was chosen for landing another plane carrying illegal Indian immigrants. Mann alleged a 'conspiracy' by the BJP-led Centre to defame Punjab and its people.

"As part of a conspiracy to defame Punjab, a plane carrying Indians deported from the US is being landed in Amritsar. The central government wants to malign Punjab and Punjabis," he said.

Addressing the media on Friday, Mann stated, "The first aircraft carrying 104 deported illegal immigrants landed in Amritsar earlier this month. Out of these, 33 were from Gujarat, 33 from Haryana, 30 from Punjab, 2 from Maharashtra, and several from other states. Now, the second aircraft is also set to land in Amritsar. Why? What are the criteria for selecting Amritsar Airport?" 

"It is being said that out of the 119 illegal immigrants, 67 hail from Punjab and that's why the plane will land in Amritsar. If that's the case, then why didn't the first plane land in Ahmedabad? " Mann quesitoned.

Mann's attack on the Centre comes amid reports stating that a US plane carrying 119 illegal immigrants is likely to land at Amritsar airport on February 15.

If reports hold veracity, it would be the second such batch of Indians deported by the Biden administration as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. The plane is expected to land at the airport around 10 pm on Saturday.