Ravneet Bittu Slams Bhagwant Mann Over CISF Deployment Controversy
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 22, 2025: Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has sharply criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his stance on the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at strategic installations in Punjab, accusing him of politicizing security issues for personal gain. In a video statement, Bittu emphasized that the CISF is tasked with securing critical infrastructure, including dams, airports, the CM’s residence, office, and Kapurthala House, and not with addressing water disputes.
Bittu highlighted the importance of CISF deployment, especially in light of heightened security concerns during "war times," warning that any lapse in security at critical sites like dams could have catastrophic consequences for lakhs of people. “CISF is for security, not for water issues. For water disputes, you have your irrigation and power departments with a huge army of officers,” Bittu stated, urging Mann to focus on governance rather than “wasting money” on what he called unnecessary objections to CISF operations.
The Union Minister accused Mann of engaging in “dramatics” and neglecting the broader implications of compromising security at vital installations. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Punjab and the central government over various issues, including the water-sharing dispute with Haryana. Bittu’s remarks have intensified the political debate, with calls for the Punjab government to prioritize public safety over political posturing.