The sharp comments made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann against web journalist Ratan Dhaliwal during an event in Rampura Phul have sparked controversy.
SNPNEWS.IN News Update By Gurmail Kamboj: On October 11, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attended an event in Rampura Phul to inaugurate a bridge and several other development projects.
After the inauguration, Mann began his speech from the stage by sharply criticizing journalists who question the policies of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Specifically targeting web journalist Ratan Dhaliwal, Mann called him a “sold-out journalist” and accused him of being bought by opposition parties. This was in response to a video shared by Dhaliwal, in which he alleged that the government was procuring tents from Delhi for official programs and channeling crores of rupees in benefits to individuals close to AAP leaders in Delhi. Mann labeled Dhaliwal’s impartial and investigative reporting as “propaganda” against AAP.
Mann claimed that Dhaliwal had lost his neutrality for money or other benefits and had become a “puppet” in the hands of opposition parties such as Congress or the Shiromani Akali Dal. He described Dhaliwal’s reports as “false and misleading,” asserting that journalists like him misrepresent government policies and decisions to mislead the public.
Following the viral spread of the video of Mann’s remarks, widespread criticism of the Chief Minister has emerged on social media. Opposition leaders have called Mann’s comments “shameful,” alleging that AAP has turned 99% of Punjab’s media into “bikau media” (sold-out media). They praised Dhaliwal as a “courageous and impartial journalist.”
Some journalists described Mann’s remarks as akin to a “Padma Shri” award for Dhaliwal, stating that when the truth stings those in power, it is a sign of a journalist’s success.