SOHAL-Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday asserted that opposition parties should stop dreaming of discontinuing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s welfare schemes as his government remains committed to spending every penny of the public exchequer on the welfare of Punjabis. During a Lok Milni at village Sohal in Gurdaspur, he said that while previous governments filled their own coffers, his government had delivered free electricity, over 71, 700 government jobs and canal water to farmers’ fields.
Declaring that the government’s treasury would always remain open for public welfare, the Chief Minister challenged the opposition to account for its record and questioned the Akali Dal’s proposed political understanding with the BJP, which he held responsible for the deaths of 750 farmers during the farm laws agitation. With people turning out in large numbers at the Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said their affection strengthened his resolve to serve Punjab, adding that the ₹51 lakh development grant handed over for village Sohal reflected his government’s commitment to taking development to every village.
Sharing a few snippets on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The overwhelming love and affection I received at the ‘Lok Milni’ in Qadian has given me immense encouragement. My objective is not to deliver political speeches from stages, but to sit among people, listen to their concerns and resolve their problems on the spot. Previous governments filled their own coffers, but we are spending public money for the welfare of the people.
Taking a dig at the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the party remained preoccupied with internal differences and leadership struggles instead of raising issues concerning Punjab’s development. “Congress leaders are busy fighting among themselves and have nothing concrete to show for the state despite their long years in power. They must explain what tangible benefits they delivered to the people of Punjab, ” he said.
Targeting the Akali Dal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the party had lost public confidence because of its past record, including the incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He also criticised the Badal family’s changing political positions, particularly its earlier criticism of the BJP and its present efforts to enter into an alliance with the same party.
Questioning the BJP’s political credibility in Punjab, the Chief Minister said, “The BJP government at the Centre brought the three contentious farm laws, forcing farmers to undertake a prolonged agitation in which several farmers lost their lives. How can BJP leaders now seek votes from the very farmers whose interests were threatened by those laws? Any renewed political understanding between the BJP and SAD can once again put the interests of Punjab’s farmers at risk.”
Recalling the Akali Dal-BJP government’s tenure from 2007 to 2017, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this was the period when the drug problem spread extensively across Punjab. Questioning the credibility of leaders seeking public support despite their past record, he referred to properties worth around ₹750 crore belonging to Akali leaders being linked to proceeds of drug-related activities. He said that people were aware of the history of these political parties and would take an informed decision.
Urging people to evaluate political parties on the basis of their actual work, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People should not be influenced by electoral gimmicks, symbolic gestures or empty promises. Our government has spent the last four-and-a-half years working to improve the lives of ordinary Punjabis. We want to take this development journey further in the coming term and ensure that every section of society benefits.”
Announcing his vision for strengthening opportunities for Punjab’s youth, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the government would establish UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) coaching centres across the state to prepare young people for prestigious civil services examinations. “Our youngsters should have the opportunity to become IAS and IPS officers. They should not be forced to spend enormous amounts of money or leave their homes to pursue their dreams. We want to create an environment in Punjab where they can receive quality education, secure employment and contribute to the state’s progress, ” he said.
Appealing to people to follow the ideals of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the collective efforts of Punjabis would help build a ‘Rangla Punjab’. “The affection and blessings of the people are my greatest strength. My only interest is to share the joys and sorrows of the three crore people of Punjab and work tirelessly for their welfare. Together, we must build a prosperous Punjab where every family gets opportunities, dignity and a better future, ” he said.