Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann stays out of 'Satluj' film row, focuses on welfare schemes

The removal of the film 'Satluj' from an OTT platform two days after its July 3 release has triggered a political debate in Punjab, but Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has largely remained silent on the matter. Mann left for a private wellness centre in Bengaluru on July 2 for treatment and has been out of the state for 10 days. During this period, opposition parties including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and BJP have criticised the government over the film, which is based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. However, Mann has not commented on the controversy or responded to political attacks.

Mann only addressed the public once during his absence through a video message urging people to complete the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission. He warned that those not listed could lose access to government welfare schemes, including the 'Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana', and appealed to eligible women to register.

Within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the film's impact was discussed internally. Some party members expressed concern that revisiting Punjab's militancy years might benefit the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) led by Amritpal Singh, who is currently in jail under the National Security Act. Others believed the film would not translate into significant political gains. A senior AAP functionary said, 'It is being discussed internally, but there is no panic. Sometimes talking about an issue only makes it bigger.'

Instead of Mann, the AAP organisation and other government functionaries responded to the controversy. Punjab AAP president Aman Arora stated the state would not oppose private screenings of 'Satluj', adding that decisions on exhibition rested with the Centre. Mann's Officer on Special Duty, Baltej Pannu, addressed a press conference after questions were raised over the premature release of convicts in the Khalra murder case. Pannu said the Mann government had not signed any file related to the release and placed responsibility on previous governments. The AAP government maintained that remissions followed legal procedures and accused the opposition of selectively presenting facts.

The SAD has organised screenings of the film in villages, projecting it as a reminder of alleged excesses during the militancy period. The political discourse in Punjab remains centred on 'Satluj', but Mann has kept his messaging focused on voter enrolment and welfare schemes.