Punjab Newsline | Mohali
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, particularly the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, challenging them to prove allegations of corruption against him.
Addressing a program in Mohali, Mann said his government had completed nearly four-and-a-half years in office and dared his political opponents to establish that he had taken even a single rupee illegally.
"Show me if I have taken even a single rupee," Mann said, asserting that his government had maintained transparency in its functioning.
Targeting the Congress and the Akali Dal, the Chief Minister accused their governments of ruining Punjab and alleged that their leaders were more interested in power struggles than addressing the problems of young people. He said these parties were only concerned about occupying the Chief Minister's chair.
Mann also levelled allegations of corruption against previous regimes, particularly in the liquor contract and sand mining businesses. In a sarcastic attack, he referred to suitcases allegedly used for carrying money and said those who had accumulated wealth would not be able to take it with them.
He further mocked opposition leaders, alleging that people had to be careful even while shaking hands with them, as they might lose their rings or other valuables.
Mann alleges opposition may use ED, CBI ahead of elections
The Chief Minister claimed that opposition parties would make several allegations against his government as elections approached. He alleged that they could use central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to target political opponents.
He also referred to electoral practices in West Bengal, alleging that attempts could be made to manipulate voter lists by adding and deleting names.
However, Mann said he was not concerned about such developments as long as he continued to receive public support. "As long as you are with me, I am not worried about anything. I only need your support," he said.
Punjab known for sports, but previous governments promoted drug culture: Mann
Speaking about Punjab's sporting heritage, Mann said the state had traditionally been known for hockey, kabaddi, giddha and bhangra. However, he accused previous governments of damaging Punjab's reputation by allowing drug abuse to become widespread.
He said a hockey tournament was currently underway in the state. Matches in Jalandhar had concluded, while the semi-finals were scheduled to take place in Mohali on Wednesday, followed by the final on Thursday.
Taking a dig at the Akali Dal's earlier claim of ruling Punjab for 25 years, Mann said the party was now struggling to find even 25 candidates to contest elections.
Public money being spent on schools, roads and healthcare
Responding to opposition allegations that his government was spending public money excessively, Mann questioned why there should be any objection to using people's money for their welfare.
He said the revenue collected by the government was being utilised for development projects, including schools, roads, Aam Aadmi Clinics, healthcare schemes and sports grounds.
"The money belongs to the people. What is wrong with spending it on their welfare?" Mann said, adding that governments were meant to serve the public and not indulge in corruption.
Over 600 more government jobs to be distributed next week
Highlighting the government's employment initiatives, Mann announced that more than 600 additional government jobs would be provided next week.
He credited government officials working behind the scenes for facilitating the recruitment process and said appointments were being made strictly on merit rather than recommendations or political influence.
"Work honestly. Jobs are being given on merit, not recommendations," he said.
The Chief Minister also alleged that during previous governments, candidates had to pay large sums of money, sometimes carried in suitcases, to secure government jobs.
He said the present government was working to ensure a transparent recruitment process, adding that candidates would receive appointment letters at their homes after completing the required examination process.
