JAGRAON-Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday asserted that his government is creating employment opportunities within Punjab, enabling young people to build their future at home rather than being forced to migrate abroad, while citing 70, 000 government jobs, the transformation of government schools that helped 882 students clear NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) this year, and crores of rupees being invested in village development as evidence of Punjab’s changing fortunes.
During a ‘Lok Milni’ programme at Kamalpura village in Ludhiana’s Jagraon constituency, the Chief Minister handed over a cheque of ₹51 lakh to the village Sarpanch for comprehensive development works, reiterated his government’s commitment to farmers and women, and hit out at Congress and Akali leaders for fighting over power instead of working for Punjab’s progress. He also referred to the filing of a chargesheet against Akali Dal (Badal) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, asserting that it would become difficult for him to escape accountability.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, during the ‘Lok Milni’ programme at Kamalpur village in the Jagraon Assembly constituency of Ludhiana, I interacted with a large gathering of people and handed over a cheque of ₹51 lakh to the Sarpanch for the comprehensive development of the village. Coming from an ordinary farming family myself, I understand the challenges faced by farmers. That is why we have started providing electricity to agricultural tubewells during the day instead of at night, to save farmers from unnecessary hardship. Mothers and sisters should also keep their bank accounts and ATMs ready, as the Sanman Rashi will soon be credited to their accounts. While the opposition is busy fighting among itself for positions and power, our only goal is the progress and prosperity of Punjab.”
Addressing a large gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Those who have defamed Punjab, a state renowned as the land of generals and sportspersons, by associating it with drugs will have to pay for their sins. A 40, 000-page chargesheet has been filed against the main kingpin, who had allowed drugs to be smuggled in his official cars during his heyday. These people, who plundered the state’s wealth and ruined the lives of its youth, are hand in glove with each other and must be held accountable for their actions.”
Taking a dig at political leaders who, he said, are united in protecting their own interests, the Chief Minister pointed out that while these leaders came together socially, they continued to make divisive statements and create discord among people for political gains.
Targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann questioned its understanding of Punjab’s geography and language, taking a swipe at the Badal family’s political heir over his command of Punjabi. “Leaders who remain disconnected from the state’s language and ground realities can not effectively represent its people, ” he affirmed.
Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the party is struggling because its leaders are more interested in becoming Chief Minister than serving the public. Leaders of the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP shared a common objective of removing him from office because his government had prioritised public welfare, ” he said.
“Congress, Akali and BJP leaders never miss an opportunity to target me and even my family, but they rarely speak against one another. Their common agenda is to dislodge me because we are working for the people of Punjab. My greatest strength is the support of the people, and with that strength, we will continue to defeat those who work against Punjab’s interests, ” he said.
Recalling the tenure of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people had rejected a government that remained disconnected from their everyday problems. He asserted that political power must be used to serve the public rather than protect privilege or accumulate wealth.
Highlighting his government’s employment record, the Chief Minister said more than 70, 000 government jobs had been provided to young people solely on merit, without any payment or political recommendation. “Earlier, young people were forced to look for opportunities abroad because they could not find employment in Punjab, and government jobs were often associated with money and influence. Today, merit is the only route to securing a government job in Punjab. Our youth are getting opportunities through a transparent recruitment process, without paying a single penny or seeking recommendations, ” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government is working to create an environment in which young people could build their future in Punjab instead of being compelled to migrate in search of employment. “Punjab’s development strategy focuses on expanding opportunities, strengthening public services and ensuring that government resources reach ordinary families, ” he added.
Concluding his address, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that his government’s focus remained on public welfare, employment, education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development. He said the people of Punjab would continue to support work that improved their lives and strengthened the state’s future.