Taking forward the development works across the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today inaugurated projects worth Rs 28.68 crore in Jaito, Faridkot. These include upgrading the community health center to a 30-bed hospital and significant investment in clean drinking water and sports infrastructure.
He said that the people’s mandate for ‘Broom’ (AAP’s election symbol) in 2022 laid the foundation for realizing the dreams of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, which are now being fulfilled. Comparing AAP’s governance model with the opposition parties, the Chief Minister said that while AAP is providing clean water, health services, education, health insurance of Rs 10 lakh and financial assistance to women, traditional parties have always failed to serve the people.
He launched a scathing attack on BJP, Congress and Akali Dal, raising questions on their rule and accusing them of promoting nepotism and criminal elements. He also held the central government responsible for increasing poverty and difficulties.
Announcing the creation of a strict anti-blasphemy law with a provision of no bail for one year and life imprisonment in the special session to be held on Baisakhi day on April 13, Bhagwant Singh Mann described the 2027 elections as a clear scenario in favor of his government. He said that while the Congress has been associated with anti-Sikh riots since the beginning, the Akali Dal has become completely discredited due to its dark deeds and only his ‘AAP’ party is the “only option” based on better governance, which is determined to create a “Rangla Punjab”.
Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of several development projects, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the land of Jaito has always created history, which his party salutes. He said that whenever there was a need in any field, be it literature or struggle, Jaito has always stood at the forefront.
The Chief Minister stressed that every vote given to the Akalis would be a verdict in favor of sacrilege of Guru and Gurbani. He said that the Akalis have hurt the sentiments of every person by disrespecting Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He alleged that the Akalis had insulted the words of the great Gurus and had ordered firing on innocent people in Bahibal Kalan and Bargadi. He said that the Akalis have also seriously insulted Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He further said that the appointment of Jathedars of Shri Akal Takht Sahib is also done arbitrarily by the Akalis, which is injustice to the people of Punjab.
Referring to the claims of development, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the former Deputy Chief Minister claims that there was massive development in the state during his rule, but he maintains silence on the issues like Kotkapura, Bahibal Kalan and other places where Sri Guru Granth Sahib was desecrated and innocent people were killed.
Taking a dig at Akali Dal’s “Punjab Bachao Yatra”, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the real name of this yatra should be “Parivar Bachao Yatra”. He challenged and said that the Akali leaders should clarify who they are now talking to to save Punjab after looting the state for 15 years.
He said that the Akalis ruthlessly looted the state and emotionally crushed the mentality of Punjabis. Apart from this he gave protection to various mafias. He stressed that the Akali leadership can never be forgiven as they are responsible for the destruction of many generations. During his long misrule the drug trade flourished on a large scale.
He further said that the hands of these leaders are stained with the blood of lakhs of youth, who became victims of drugs supplied in the state through the government vehicles of these leaders. He said that the sins of these leaders cannot be forgiven and people will never forgive the Akalis for their long list of misdeeds.
Meanwhile, presenting the outline of legislative action, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP government has called a special session of the Punjab Assembly on April 13 to amend the Jagat Jot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008. He further said that anyone attempting to desecrate the holy book would have to face strict punishment of at least 10 years and up to life imprisonment. He further said that the state government has taken the help of experienced legal experts to make the law and discussions are also being held with the Sant Samaj in this regard.
Taking aim at the Akali leadership, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they are opportunistic leaders, who keep changing colors and stance like chameleons as per their convenience and personal political interests. He further said that everyone knows that this family has been a supporter of the British and this family was awarded the title of ‘Sir’ for supporting the British against the patriots. He further said that this family had hosted a dinner for General Dyer, convicted of Jallianwala Bagh massacre on 13 April 1919, after this heinous incident.
He said, “This action has exposed their anti-national and anti-Punjab mentality.” He further said, “Not only this, the family also played an important role in offering Siropa to General Dyer at Sri Harmandir Sahib and getting forgiveness.” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “It is even more surprising that Jathedar Arud Singh, who presented the Siropa, was the maternal grandfather of former Lok Sabha member Simarjit Singh Mann.”
Citing history, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed, “The truth of the dual character of the ancestors of the Badal family is recorded in the pages of history, which cannot be erased.” He further said, “The hands of this family are stained with the blood of patriots and their role, from backstabbing nationalists to betraying the community, can never be forgotten.”
Making a scathing attack on the Congress, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every leader in the Congress wants to become the head of the state. They have more chief ministers than workers.” The Chief Minister further said that his top leader had recently reprimanded him publicly during a rally. He sarcastically said, “Congress is a divided party, which is on the verge of disintegration due to internal strife.” He said, “It is very unfortunate that the leaders sent to unite them do not even know how to pronounce their names properly.”
Explaining the outline of the 2027 elections, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People will have three pens to choose from.” He said, “The first pen is of the Congress, whose ink is a symbol of the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, the 1984 riots and other anti-Sikh stance. Similarly, the second pen is of the Akalis, which has the ink of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.” He stressed, “The third pen is yours, which is restoring the glory of the state by making it Rangla Punjab again through people-friendly and developmental initiatives.”
Talking about good governance, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has taken many people-friendly initiatives, due to which the changed picture of the state is clearly visible.” He further said, “People’s tax money is being spent very wisely on public welfare. This money is being plowed back into the state through development, upgradation of schools, hospitals and roads.”
Listing the government’s achievements, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have provided free electricity to 90 per cent of households, created more than 65,000 jobs without any corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas, resulting in a daily saving of Rs 70 lakh and strengthened the infrastructure.” He further said, “Canal water utilization has increased from 22 percent to 71 percent and will reach 90 percent by the coming paddy season.”
Emphasizing on education, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Free facilities cannot eliminate poverty. Education is the only means through which people can be uplifted.” He further said, “Learning is the light that dispels darkness, hence we are giving top priority to education.”
Regarding health care, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under the Mukhyamantri Swasthya Yojana, health cards are being issued to 65 lakh families.” He further said, “Every family is entitled for free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh, with more than 30 lakh cards having been issued and 1.65 lakh treatments provided so far.” He also appealed to the people to take full advantage of such beneficial schemes.
Regarding power supply, he said, “For the first time, more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply has been provided to the tube wells of the fields during the paddy season.” He further said, “Farmers are getting electricity during the day, due to which the change in their lives is clearly visible.” He reiterated, “Every penny of the government treasury is being used for the welfare of the public.”
Referring to social welfare, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under the Maawan-Dhiyan Satkar Samman Yojana, Rs 1000 per month is being given to women and Rs 1500 is being given to Scheduled Caste women above 18 years of age.”
Inviting the gathering for dialogue, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is not a political rally, but a real platform to connect with the people.” He further said, “Previous governments broke the trust of the people and looted the state, but later people voted for change, which brought about changes in schools, hospitals and other sectors.”
Referring to the historical land of Jaito, he said, “This sacred land has always created history and its fertile land has played a major role in the destiny of Punjab.” He further said, “Traditional leaders were born with silver spoons and never did anything for the country nor suffered any hardships.” He said, “They continued to believe that they had the divine right to rule, but in a democracy the people are supreme.”
Taking aim at Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Instead of discussing education and welfare, he talks about buffaloes, which shows a narrow mindset.” He further said, “Despite getting many opportunities, he looted the state and that is why people rejected him.”
Criticizing the conduct of the opposition, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Instead of raising real issues, they are engaged in allegations and mud-slinging and are waiting for their opportunity to loot the precious resources of the state.” He further said, “Their only objective is to gain power, not the welfare of the public.”
Reiterating the agenda of AAP, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We talk about education, health, electricity and agriculture, while others are engaged in strategies to grab power.” He further said, “Their agenda is the welfare of the family, ours is the welfare of the public.” He said, “Due to the misgovernance of the previous governments, people chose the Aam Aadmi Party, which is continuously working hard.”
Reminding people of the previous governments, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Traditional parties have never been loyal to Punjab.” He further said, “They are jealous because AAP has set the welfare agenda.” He further said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal does not even have any knowledge about the basic geographical condition of Punjab.”
Taking aim at other leaders, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Captain Amarinder Singh and his family have continuously stood with anti-Punjab forces.” He further said, “AAP was formed to change the system and under its leadership Punjab is making rapid progress in every field including education and health.”
On national issues, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those ruling the country are not aware of the welfare of the people.” He further said, “The country is being led by a person who spends more time abroad and is away from the ground reality.” He said, “The LPG and oil crisis should have been anticipated much earlier.”
Earlier, AAP Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia said, “It is a matter of great pride that Bhagwant Singh Mann has proved to be the most popular Chief Minister.” He further said, “He is the only Chief Minister working for the welfare of the public and the party will come back to power with a huge majority.”
During this, Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur and Dr. Balbir Singh and others were also present.
