Harbhajan Singh slams Punjab govt for using sports grounds for rallies
BJP MP Harbhajan Singh urges Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to stop using sports and university grounds for political rallies after recent damage.
Former Indian cricketer and current BJP MP Harbhajan Singh has launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government, demanding that sports and university grounds be kept strictly away from political gatherings. The veteran spinner expressed deep distress over the deteriorating state of a university ground following a recent political event held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
"Disheartening" state of university grounds
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Harbhajan Singh shared his outrage regarding the aftermath of the 'Jashan-e-Inqlab' celebration. He pointed out that the very facilities intended for the development of athletes were left in ruins following the programme.
In a poignant critique, the former cricketer noted that the celebration seemed to lack respect for the icon it was meant to honour. "What kind of 'Celebration of Revolution' is this? Facilities meant for athletes have been ruined, and a photograph of Bhagat Singh has been dumped in a pile of garbage," he wrote in Punjabi. He added that the legendary martyr would likely be weeping to see such a state of affairs.
A pattern of destruction
Speaking to ANI, Harbhajan Singh highlighted that this is not an isolated incident. He recalled a previous instance in the Rupnagar district where a government rally similarly damaged a sports field, leading to numerous complaints from local players.
He questioned the logic of celebrating a hero like Bhagat Singh by leaving his posters amidst filth. "I would urge you to definitely remember him, keep him alive in your hearts. You took an oath to make Punjab drug-free or to set things on the right track. But today, if Bhagat Singh's posters were found lying in a pile of garbage right after that rally and celebration, how would you feel?" he asked.
Protecting athlete infrastructure
The former cricketer expressed grave concern for the athletes and trainees who rely on these grounds for their daily training and future aspirations. He noted that the damage caused by such rallies takes a significant amount of time to repair, hindering the progress of young talent.
Harbhajan Singh's message to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was clear: political activities should be restricted to designated political venues rather than infringing upon athletic spaces.
- Call for designated venues: He urged the government to use specific political grounds for rallies instead of ruining sports infrastructure.
- Preservation of facilities: He emphasized that both current and previous administrations have failed to do enough for Punjab's sports sector.
- Accountability: He demanded that the government protect the remaining sports infrastructure to ensure the future of Punjab's athletes.
"My only request to the government is, as a sportsman, keep sports away from your political rallies. Keep sports grounds away from this. You have political grounds; go and hold rallies there," Harbhajan concluded.