Archive · 15 Sep 2026
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 the hearts of Punjabis.
Saini said the comment was highly unfortunate.
He explained that the turban is important to Sikh faith, respect and tradition.
Saini said Mann had insulted the Sikh Gurus and the people of Punjab.
He asked Mann to apologise.
Saini also criticised Punjab’s AAP government over drugs, jobs, development and industrial security.
He said people want practical work instead of only announcements, publicity or jokes.
Saini predicted that the BJP would form Punjab’s next government.
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 the Sikh Gurus and the people of Punjab.
Saini said the turban represents faith, respect, reverence and the traditions passed down by Sikh Gurus.
During a Patiala event, Saini criticised Punjab’s AAP government over drugs, development, jobs and industrial security.
Saini said the BJP would form Punjab’s government after next year’s Assembly elections and cited Haryana’s economic progress.
- Who
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
- What
- The two chief ministers exchanged criticism after Mann called Saini’s turbans “fake” and Saini demanded an apology.
- When
- The remarks and responses were made on Monday, September 14; Punjab’s Assembly elections are due early next year, according to the reports.
- Where
- Mann spoke at a press conference in Chandigarh, while Saini responded in Chandigarh and criticised the Punjab government at an event in Patiala.
- Why
- Mann questioned Saini’s turban-wearing and frequent visits to Punjab, while Saini said the remark disrespected Sikh tradition and criticised Punjab’s governance.
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Meaning of the turban
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Mann portrayed Saini’s turbans as an unsuccessful political effort to win over Punjabis during his visits to the state.
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Saini said the turban is connected with Sikh faith, respect, reverence and the teachings and sacrifices of the Gurus.
Apology demand
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Mann continued to question Saini’s political outreach and did not accept that the turban-wearing would win Punjabi support.
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Saini said Mann’s use of the word “fake” insulted the Sikh Gurus and the people of Punjab, and demanded an apology.
Punjab’s governance
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Mann defended his government’s work over the past four-and-a-half years and rejected Saini’s suggestion that it amounted only to jokes or announcements.
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Saini said Punjab needs development, employment, industrial security and solutions to public problems rather than jokes, publicity and advertisements.
Political outlook
Bhagwant Mann’s position
Mann’s remarks challenged Saini’s repeated visits to Punjab and his comparisons involving the state.
Nayab Singh Saini’s position
Saini said Haryana had moved ahead of Punjab economically and predicted a BJP government after the next Punjab Assembly election.
- Central remark
- Mann said Saini could not win Punjabi hearts by sporting “fake turbans.”
- Saini’s response
- Saini called the comment highly unfortunate and sought an apology from Mann.
- Religious significance
- Saini said the turban symbolises respect, faith, belief and reverence for Sikh Gurus.
- Political setting
- Saini has frequently visited Punjab, where Assembly elections are due early next year.
- Saini’s criticism
- He attacked the AAP government over drugs, development, employment, industrial security, announcements and advertisements.
- Election claim
- Saini expressed confidence that the BJP would 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.
