Amid protests, CM Bhagwant Mann calls Punjab 'dharna' state

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday expressed concern over the state becoming a "dharna state," a day after his meeting with Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) farmer leaders ended inconclusively.

Farmer leaders, who are planning a week-long sit-in protest in Chandigarh starting Wednesday, claimed that police detained several of their members ahead of the demonstration. They also alleged that Mann did not properly address their concerns during the meeting, calling it "unfortunate and disrespectful."

Mann, however, defended his position, stating that the ongoing protests, including "rail roko" and "sadak roko" actions, were causing significant economic losses to Punjab. "The state is facing immense losses, and Punjab is turning into a state of dharnas," he said, urging farmers not to misinterpret his willingness to engage as weakness.