Sat Feb 15 07:28:49 UTC 2025: ## Congress MP Rejects Punjab CM’s Criticism of US Deportations
**Amritsar, February 15, 2025** – Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla dismissed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s criticism of the central government’s handling of the deportation of Indian citizens from the United States as a mere publicity stunt. Aujla, speaking to ANI, defended Punjab’s reputation and highlighted the significant economic contributions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to the state. He argued that the choice of Amritsar as the landing point for the deportees was not intended to defame Punjab and that the state’s large NRI population contributes significantly to its economy.
Aujla challenged the state government’s efforts to address large-scale emigration and create job opportunities within Punjab. He urged both the BJP and AAP governments to focus on improving law and order and employment prospects to curb the ongoing exodus of Punjabis seeking opportunities abroad. He pointed to the high number of Indian emigrants to countries like the US, Europe, and the UAE as evidence of broader issues within the country.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mann criticized the Centre for landing deported Indian citizens in Amritsar, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to portray Punjabis as illegal migrants. He questioned why other locations, such as Ahmedabad or Delhi’s Hindon airport, were not used. The differing perspectives highlight a growing political tension over the handling of the deportations and the underlying issues of emigration from Punjab.
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