FATEHGARH SAHIB- Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asserted that Punjab’s development journey must continue under the AAP government in 2027, contrasting his government’s focus on welfare, free electricity, healthcare, women’s financial empowerment and infrastructure development with what he described as decades of neglect under the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP.
Declaring that the entire state is his family and that government benefits are extended without discrimination, he highlighted the delivery of free power, health insurance and monthly financial assistance to women, while unveiling his vision of making Punjab pole-free by shifting electricity wires underground. Taking a swipe at political leaders frequently switching parties, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann called them “chameleons” and cautioned Punjabis against opportunists who change loyalties for political gains.
Addressing a massive public gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has both the will and the intent to ensure the holistic development of Punjab. There is no shortage of funds for development and public welfare. We have given a major push to development across the state and will leave no stone unturned to accelerate this progress with the wholehearted support and cooperation of the people.”
Describing the entire state as his family, the Chief Minister said, “For me, the whole of Punjab is one family. Our government does not discriminate against anyone while extending the benefits of welfare schemes. Whether it is free electricity, healthcare, financial assistance for women, education or employment, our objective is to ensure that every deserving person receives the benefits of government initiatives.”
Referring to the upcoming Shaheedi Sabha at Fatehgarh Sahib, he said, “Our government will make elaborate arrangements for the lakhs of devotees who will visit the sacred land of Fatehgarh Sahib to pay obeisance, where Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, along with Mata Gujri Ji, attained martyrdom. We will ensure that no devotee faces any inconvenience during the Shaheedi Sabha, and like every year, I will personally monitor all arrangements.”
Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These traditional political parties have become political deadwood and have repeatedly been rejected by the people of Punjab. For decades, they remained in power but failed to address the problems of ordinary people. Their only objective was to exploit Punjab’s resources and plunder the hard-earned money of the people for their vested political interests.”
The Chief Minister further said, “The Congress, Akali Dal and BJP have lost the trust of the people because their successive governments failed to safeguard Punjab’s interests. They were more concerned about securing political power than ensuring the welfare of Punjabis. The people have not forgotten their record, and history will repeat itself in 2027 when these parties will once again face rejection.”
Taking a dig at political leaders frequently switching parties ahead of elections, he said, “These political turncoats have put even chameleons to shame by changing their colours so frequently. Such leaders have no commitment to any ideology or public welfare. Their only objective is to grab political power and satisfy their greed for money. The people of Punjab understand their opportunism and will teach them a befitting lesson.”
Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The same Akali leaders who once blamed the BJP for interfering in Sikh affairs at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Delhi and Haryana are now desperate to enter into an alliance with the saffron party. What can the people expect from leaders who are willing to compromise their own stated positions merely to regain political power?”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “If the Akali Dal and BJP join hands again, the people of Punjab will respond by rejecting both parties at the hustings. Punjabis know very well how these parties treated the state when they were in power, and they will not allow Punjab’s interests to be compromised again.”
Taking a jibe at former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s proposed cycle yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Charanjit Singh Channi’s proposed cycle yatra is nothing but a political gimmick without any constructive agenda for Punjab. Even Congress leaders are not supporting this exercise because they know it will contribute nothing to the welfare of the state or its people. The former Chief Minister keeps claiming that he can do everything, but his record tells an entirely different story.”
Highlighting the achievements of his government, the Chief Minister stated, “We have provided more than 71, 000 government jobs to eligible youth through a completely transparent recruitment process. At the same time, investments attracted into Punjab have generated more than six lakh employment opportunities. Our objective is to create sufficient opportunities for our youngsters in Punjab itself so that they do not have to leave their homeland in search of a better future.”
He further said, “Unlike previous governments, which made promises and forgot them after coming to power, we believe in delivering what we promise. Our focus remains on employment generation, quality education, accessible healthcare, sports infrastructure, rural development and public welfare. We want the benefits of development to reach every household and every village.”
Emphasising his commitment to public service, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I seek the trust and support of the people because I want to serve them. My strength comes from the people of Punjab, not from any position of power. As long as I have their support, I will continue working for their rights, dignity and a better future for the coming generations.”
The Chief Minister asserted, “Every single penny of the state exchequer belongs to the people and must be spent on their welfare. We are returning taxpayers’ money to the people through better schools, hospitals, roads, electricity, healthcare and public infrastructure. Our government is committed to building a prosperous, equitable and corruption-free Punjab.”
Highlighting the achievements in the power sector, he said, “More than 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity, while farmers are now getting electricity during daytime hours. This is a major change from the difficulties farmers faced under previous governments. We have also closed toll plazas, saving commuters approximately ₹70 lakh every day.”
Speaking about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has introduced a comprehensive healthcare scheme providing cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family every year. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that no family in Punjab is forced into financial hardship because of medical expenses. Quality healthcare should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their economic background.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Punjab has taken a major step towards universal healthcare coverage. Our objective is to ensure that every family can access quality medical treatment without worrying about the financial burden. This scheme has brought substantial relief to ordinary households.”
Referring to the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under this scheme, every eligible woman above the age of 18 years are receiving monthly Sanman Rashi of ₹1, 000 and ₹1, 500 for Scheduled Caste women. The financial assistance is being transferred directly into their bank accounts, and beneficiaries are receiving notifications on their mobile phones.”
He further said, “Women who are already receiving social security pensions are also eligible for this assistance. Our government believes in strengthening the financial independence and dignity of women, and we are ensuring that the benefits reach them directly without unnecessary conditions or discrimination.”
Underscoring the importance of education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “No amount of freebies or concession cards can permanently eliminate poverty or social inequalities. Education is the real instrument of transformation because it empowers people to improve their standard of living and break the cycle of poverty. That is why our government has accorded the highest priority to strengthening the education sector.”
Highlighting the improved performance of government school students, the Chief Minister said, “In 2021, only 80 students from Punjab’s government schools cleared the NEET examination. In 2026, this number has increased more than elevenfold to 882. This is the difference between a government that genuinely invests in education and those that never bothered about the future of children studying in government schools.”
Turning to irrigation infrastructure, he said, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, canal water has reached the fields of 1, 587 villages that had never received canal irrigation before. Our government has spent ₹7, 200 crore on strengthening the canal network to ensure that water reaches farmers’ fields.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “When our government assumed office, canal irrigation covered only 26% of the agricultural area. Today, this coverage has increased to more than 80%. In 2022, canal water reached only 20.89 lakh acres, whereas today the coverage has expanded to 60.30 lakh acres. This transformation reflects our commitment to strengthening Punjab’s agricultural economy and ensuring better irrigation facilities for farmers.”
Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said, “Our government is renovating and upgrading nearly 45, 000 kilometres of roads to improve connectivity across Punjab. We are also providing grants for the comprehensive development of villages because rural prosperity is essential for the progress of the entire state.”
Referring to the government’s efforts to promote sports and combat drug abuse, he said, “We have dedicated 1, 000 playgrounds to the youth of Punjab and are developing 3, 100 sports stadiums across the state. Our objective is to provide modern sporting facilities to youngsters, encourage them to participate in sports and keep them away from the menace of drugs.”
He added, “Punjab’s youth possess immense talent and potential. Our responsibility is to provide them with the infrastructure, opportunities and encouragement needed to excel in sports and other fields. By strengthening sports infrastructure in villages, we are creating a healthier and more promising future for the next generation.”
Reaffirming his government’s commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The welfare of Punjab’s people will always remain at the centre of our decisions. We will continue working with sincerity and dedication to build a prosperous, equitable and corruption-free Punjab. With the continued support of the people, we will ensure that the development journey of Punjab moves forward with even greater momentum.”
On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Hardeep Singh Mundian, along with other dignitaries, were also present.