Punjab Newsline | Sangrur
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched an attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance and the Congress, accusing traditional political parties of exploiting Punjab and betraying its people. He asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s record on development, employment generation and clean governance would help it secure another mandate.
Addressing a massive gathering during a Lok Milni program at Moran village in the Dirba constituency of Sangrur district, the Chief Minister inaugurated a newly constructed sports ground and announced ₹51 lakh for the village's development works.
Mann said his government was transforming Punjab through improved roads, schools, sewerage facilities, sports infrastructure and employment opportunities. He maintained that, unlike previous governments, the AAP government was ensuring that public money was spent on people's welfare.
"Development is now visible in every village, from roads and schools to sewerage facilities and sports infrastructure. We are not merely making announcements but delivering on our commitments. Every penny of the state exchequer is being judiciously utilised for the welfare of the people," he said.
Highlighting the government's employment initiatives, Mann claimed that more than 70,000 government jobs had been provided to eligible youth without corruption. Additionally, over six lakh employment opportunities had been generated through investments in the state.
He said the government's objective was to ensure that young people from ordinary families received quality education, secured good jobs and rose to senior positions. The youth, he added, should not be forced to leave Punjab in search of employment opportunities.
Talking about sports infrastructure, Mann said the government was developing 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab to encourage young people to take up sports and keep them away from drugs.
He also referred to Ludhiana hosting the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Championship, saying the state was witnessing a new sporting revolution. The government, he said, wanted to establish Punjab as a leading sporting destination and provide players with world-class facilities.
Targeting the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, the Chief Minister accused them of exploiting Punjab for their political interests during their years in power.
Taking a dig at the Akali Dal over its reported efforts to revive an alliance with the BJP, Mann recalled the farmers' protest against the three contentious farm laws at Delhi's borders, during which 750 farmers allegedly lost their lives.
He said it was unfortunate that a party claiming to represent Punjab's farmers was now keen to join hands with the BJP, which was in power at the Centre during the agitation.
Mann asserted that the people of Punjab would hold both parties accountable if they reunited politically. He claimed that voters would reject their candidates in the elections.
Chief Minister also highlighted the government's public welfare initiatives, claiming that more than 90% of households in Punjab were receiving free electricity. He said farmers were now getting electricity during daytime, which had brought significant changes to their lives.
He further claimed that the closure of toll plazas had helped commuters save around ₹70 lakh every day. The government was also working to improve roads, healthcare facilities, education and other public infrastructure, he added.
In a post on X, Mann said the people's love and trust were the government's greatest strength. He reiterated his commitment to providing clean governance, improving education and employment opportunities and restoring Punjab's glory as 'Rangla Punjab' once again.
