40 mins ago
Mann, Saini clash over turban remark and Punjab politics
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for wearing turbans during visits to Punjab.
Mann said the turbans would not help Saini win Punjabi hearts.
Saini said this comment was disrespectful because the turban is important to Sikh faith and tradition.
He asked Mann to apologise to the people of Punjab.
Saini also criticised Punjab’s AAP government for its handling of drugs and other issues.
He said Punjab needs jobs, industry security and real development.
Saini compared Haryana’s economic progress with Punjab’s progress.
He predicted that the BJP would win the next Punjab Assembly election.
Bhagwant Mann said Nayab Singh Saini could not win Punjabis’ hearts by wearing what he called “fake turbans.”
Saini called the remark unfortunate and demanded that Mann apologise to Punjab’s people and respect for the turban.
Saini said the turban represents faith, reverence and the teachings of Sikh Gurus.
During a visit to Patiala, Saini criticised the AAP government over drugs, development, employment and industrial security.
Saini expressed confidence that the BJP would form Punjab’s government after next year’s Assembly elections.
- Who
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
- What
- The two leaders exchanged criticism after Mann called Saini’s turbans “fake.”
- Where
- Mann made his comments at a press conference in Chandigarh, while Saini responded at a Punjab BJP event and spoke at an event in Patiala.
- When
- The remarks were made on Monday, September 14; Punjab’s next Assembly elections are due early next year, according to the report.
- Why
- Mann questioned Saini’s use of turbans during visits to Punjab, while Saini said the turban is a matter of faith and criticised the Punjab government’s record.
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Meaning of the turbans
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Mann said Saini’s turbans were an unsuccessful attempt to win the hearts of Punjabis.
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Saini said the turban is tied to Sikh faith, reverence and the teachings of the Gurus, and that calling it fake insulted Punjab’s people.
Punjab’s governance
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Mann questioned Saini’s frequent visits to Punjab and his comparisons involving the state.
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Saini said Punjab needs development, employment, industrial security and solutions to public problems rather than jokes, publicity and advertisements.
Economic and political outlook
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Mann’s remarks challenged Saini’s political outreach in Punjab.
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Saini said Haryana has moved ahead of Punjab economically and predicted a BJP government after the next Punjab Assembly election.
Key facts
- Central dispute
- Bhagwant Mann said Nayab Singh Saini could not win Punjabi hearts by wearing “fake turbans.”
- Saini’s response
- Saini called the remark highly unfortunate and demanded an apology.
- Turban significance
- Saini said the turban represents respect for Sikh Gurus, faith, belief and reverence.
- Political setting
- Saini has frequently visited Punjab, where Assembly elections are due early next year.
- Saini’s criticisms
- He attacked the AAP government over drugs, development, employment, industrial security, announcements and advertisements.
- Election prediction
- Saini said he expected the BJP to form Punjab’s government after the Assembly polls.
- Earlier turban appearance
- Saini wore a saffron turban while presenting Haryana’s 2026–27 budget in March.
Quotes
Nayab Singh Saini
Chief Minister of Haryana
“For us, the turban represents respect for our gurus. It is a matter of faith, belief and reverence for us. It is a tradition bestowed upon us by our gurus.”
theprint.in
“He feels that he will win the hearts of Punjabis by sporting fake turbans. But that is not possible.”
theprint.in






