Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday gave a major gift to the residents of the holy city of Amritsar by dedicating the newly constructed flyover at the junction of Sultanwind Bypass and Sultanwind Link Road to the people. Built to ease long-standing traffic congestion and ensure seamless connectivity for over two lakh devotees visiting Sri Amritsar Sahib every day, the project has been completed by saving ₹11.52 crore of public money through a transparent system.

Showcasing his government’s development-driven governance, the Chief Minister also announced that 3,100 new stadiums, 3,000 gyms and 400 new Aam Aadmi Clinics will be ready for the people by July 15, highlighted that more than 80% canal water is now being used for irrigation, and said contractors are now accountable for maintaining over 43,000 kilometres of roads for five years. He also said that while the government remains focused on development and honest governance, the Opposition has resorted to circulating fake videos after failing to challenge its work.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “A new overbridge on Sultanwind Link Road in the holy city of Amritsar has been dedicated to the people. Through a transparent system, the government saved the public ₹11.5 crore on this project. By July 15, as many as 3,100 new sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will be ready, while 400 new Aam Aadmi Clinics are also fully prepared for public use.”

“A record 80% canal water is being used for agriculture, and contractors are now required to provide a five-year guarantee for roads they construct. Your government is working with honest intentions. Let us all unite to make Punjab more prosperous and take it to even greater heights,” the post concluded.

Interacting with the media after dedicating the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every day, more than two lakh devotees visit Sri Darbar Sahib and other historic and religious places in this sacred city. To make the journey of devotees more convenient and comfortable, our government is continuously strengthening the city’s infrastructure. Today, we have dedicated the newly constructed flyover at the junction of Sultanwind Bypass and Sultanwind Link Road to the people.”

Expressing gratitude to the Almighty, the Chief Minister said, “I am grateful to the Almighty for blessing me with the opportunity to serve this sacred city by dedicating this ambitious project, which will act as a catalyst in resolving the traffic problem.”

The Chief Minister said, “Due to heavy traffic at the junction of Sultanwind Link Road on Tarn Taran Road near Tara Wala Bridge, commuters, local residents and pilgrims coming from outside have long been facing severe traffic congestion. This flyover will significantly improve traffic movement in the city and save the valuable time of thousands of people every day.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I am pleased that this project was executed on a war footing and completed ahead of schedule so that devotees visiting this holy city would not face any inconvenience.”

Highlighting the transparent execution of the project, the Chief Minister noted, “Although the Punjab Government had accorded administrative approval of ₹34.20 crore for this project, it has been successfully completed at a cost of only ₹22.68 crore, resulting in savings of ₹11.52 crore of public money. The total length of the project, including the approach roads, is 985 metres.”

The Chief Minister said, “The flyover itself is 725 metres long and 14 metres wide. Service roads, each measuring 5.50 metres in width, have been constructed on both sides of the flyover to facilitate the smooth movement of local traffic.”

Emphasising the project’s environmental features, he pointed out, “This is an eco-friendly project. In addition to RCC drains for stormwater disposal, rainwater harvesting wells have been incorporated into the design. This reflects the firm commitment of the state government towards environmental sustainability.”

The Chief Minister said, “The state government is using Artificial Intelligence to save taxpayers’ money. We are constructing more than 43,000 kilometres of roads, and contractors have been made responsible for their maintenance. Every single penny of the state exchequer is being optimally utilised for the welfare of the people.”

He further said, “More than 90% of households in Punjab are getting free electricity. Even farmers are now getting power during the daytime, which has been unprecedented.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The tax money of the people belongs to the state, and we are spending it judiciously on their welfare. People’s money is coming back to the people through development, schools, hospitals and roads.”

The Chief Minister said, “Our government is working only for the people. We have provided free electricity to households, given government jobs to more than 68,000 youth without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh every day, strengthened education and healthcare, built infrastructure and undertaken several other key initiatives.”

The Chief Minister said, “When our government assumed office, only 22% canal water was being used for irrigation in Punjab. Today, this has increased to more than 80%, ensuring greater irrigation coverage and reducing dependence on groundwater.”

The Chief Minister said, “Our government is working tirelessly for the development of villages, and grants are being provided for rural development.”

He said, “To wean our youth away from the menace of drugs, the state government will dedicate 3,100 newly built stadiums across Punjab by July 15. Promoting sports culture is one of the most effective weapons in our crusade against drugs. Through sports, the boundless energy of our youth is being channelled towards excellence.”

Taking on the Opposition, the Chief Minister said, “The Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP have stooped to a very low level by joining hands to defame me on religious issues. As part of a very cheap political conspiracy, fake videos of me have been circulated.”

The Chief Minister further said, “When my opponents find themselves unable to challenge me on any other front, they try to defame me through religious issues. Recently, a video was made viral in which neither the person’s physical appearance, height, manner of walking nor body language matches mine.”

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday pointed out that the Akalis are opposing the Anti-Beadbi Act because they know they will have to answer for their past misdeeds, declaring that they had joined hands with the forces responsible for the beadbi (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. During a Lok Milni in Faridkot, the Chief Minister also held the traditional political parties responsible for looting Punjab and remaining disconnected from the common people.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to public welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted Punjab’s emergence as the country’s top-performing state in school education, the provision of more than 68,000 government jobs without corruption, the increase in canal irrigation from 22% to over 80%, the rollout of financial assistance for eligible women from July 1, and the benefits of cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akalis are opposing the Anti-Beadbi Act tooth and nail because they are aware that they will have to pay for the misdeeds committed in the past. The Akalis were hand in glove with the fissiparous forces that hatched the conspiracies of Beadbi in the past. Now these leaders have to pay for their sinister actions due to which they and their stooges are opposing the Anti-Beadbi Act. However, this will not deter me from working for the well-being of the people and I will make every effort for this.”

The Chief Minister said, “My predecessors never met the common people as they came out of their luxurious homes only after noting the temperature, whereas I am available to the people round the clock. These leaders illegally built huge palaces by amassing whopping wealth through misuse of their official positions. The walls of these palatial residences were high and their gates always remained closed for the people. They remained inaccessible to the masses and were ultimately shown the door by them.”

He pointed out, “The people of Punjab have rejected those who looted them turn by turn. These leaders befooled the people for a long time, but now the wise people of the state are no longer getting swayed by their misleading propaganda. These arrogant politicians always took the people for granted and were ultimately shown the door. These opportunist leaders are baffled because the people are no longer responding to them. Their agenda has always been confined to the welfare of their own families rather than the welfare of the people.”

Slamming the Congress leaders, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “They have long befooled the people to satiate their lust for power. These parties have no agenda except to plunder the wealth of the state and exploit the common man. The people of Punjab are supreme and they stand firmly with the state government, which has taken path-breaking initiatives for their welfare. The smugglers who have long represented the Majha region have ruined generations of Punjab and they must be taught a lesson by the people in the ensuing Assembly elections.”

The Chief Minister said, “We eat the biscuits packed in pouches whereas these leaders, educated in convent schools in the hills, have always consumed the gold biscuits smuggled by their fathers. These leaders are bereft of any ideology or spirit of serving the common man. They are engaged in a mad race only to acquire power. These royal leaders have nothing in common with ordinary people. Their cars, overcoats, wardrobes and lifestyle have no resemblance with ours.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said, “After assuming office, I laid special emphasis on the progress and prosperity of Punjab, especially in the education sector. Previous governments had converted government schools into mere Mid Day Meal Centres, but today these schools have been transformed into educational hubs. The state government is working on a mission to strengthen education and ensure access to quality education for poor students.”

He said, “Due to the strenuous efforts of the state government, Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle school education. The government has upgraded primary and middle school education, strengthened the education system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers. As a result of these efforts, Punjab is excelling in school education and the latest figures released by NITI Aayog show that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to emerge as the top-performing state in primary and middle school education.”

The Chief Minister noted, “For the last four years, the state government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms, and today Punjab stands at the top. Earlier Kerala held the top position, but Punjab has now claimed the number one rank with a huge margin. More such efforts will be made in the coming years. Education is the light that dispels darkness and illuminates the world. Therefore, the state government is laying special thrust on strengthening the education sector.”

He said, “The state government firmly believes that every child deserves access to quality education irrespective of his or her economic background. We are making concerted efforts to strengthen the education sector so that children from ordinary families receive the same opportunities to excel as anyone else. Education is the strongest tool for empowering future generations and building a prosperous Punjab. The state government will leave no stone unturned to further strengthen it.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “From July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will receive notifications on their mobile phones regarding the financial assistance of ₹1,000 in the case of women belonging to the general category and ₹1,500 in the case of SC women. The funds will be transferred directly into their bank accounts and women already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible. Nearly 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from the scheme and the state government has earmarked ₹9,300 crore in the Budget for it.”

Emphasizing the larger social significance of the scheme, the Chief Minister said, “The financial assistance may not make women rich, but it will certainly provide them with dignity and self-respect. Women deserve the highest respect because they are the source of life itself. The blessings of mothers and sisters help overcome every challenge in the world. Strengthening women’s financial autonomy is essential for improving household welfare, promoting gender equity and enhancing women’s participation in social and economic decision-making.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said, “I am grateful to the Almighty for blessing me with the opportunity to enact the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026. Whenever incidents of Beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place, the sentiments of millions of devotees were deeply hurt. The Almighty blessed me with the wisdom and strength to bring this legislation after detailed consultations with legal experts.”

The Chief Minister said, “The state government has drafted this legislation carefully so that no future amendments or loopholes weaken it. This law will act as a strong deterrent against anti-social elements attempting to commit such sacrilegious acts in future and no one will ever be able to indulge in this heinous crime. Earlier, people escaped punishment by claiming that their mind was disturbed or that they were mentally ill. However, if someone is genuinely mentally unstable, then why does he only target Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why does he not crash into a train engine or touch live electric wires?”

The Chief Minister said, “The state government is working wholeheartedly for the people. We have provided free electricity to households, more than 68,000 government jobs without corruption to the youth, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh every day, imparted quality education, strengthened healthcare, built modern infrastructure and undertaken several other key initiatives. When the state government assumed office, only 22% canal water was being utilised for irrigation in Punjab. Today, this has increased to more than 80%. The state government is also working tirelessly for the development of villages by providing grants.”

The Chief Minister said, “To provide comprehensive healthcare to the people, the state government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country that provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjab has become the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. The scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden on people while ensuring quality healthcare services. This historic initiative aims to provide universal healthcare to every family in the state and people have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme.”

On the occasion, Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan and several other dignitaries were also present.

Reaffirming its commitment to making Punjab a drug-free, healthy and sporting state, the Bhagwant Mann Government on Sunday achieved another major milestone by dedicating 500 modern village gyms across the state. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the initiative is aimed at promoting a vibrant sporting culture to steer youth away from the menace of drugs under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. Backed by a record ₹1,791 crore sports budget, the state government is establishing 3,000 modern village gyms and developing 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab while simultaneously undertaking a large-scale drive to rejuvenate village ponds for sustainable agricultural use.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating the village gyms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today is a historic day for the youth of Punjab and the sporting fraternity. These village gyms and sports grounds are playing a vital role in strengthening our ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. We have inaugurated 500 village gyms from Chand Baja village in Faridkot, and I congratulate the youth of Punjab on this unique and landmark initiative. Our sole vision is to build a Drug-Free, Healthy and Rangla Punjab.”

The Chief Minister said, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, a record ₹1,791 crore has been allocated exclusively for sports. Providing our youth with access to playgrounds and modern gyms is among our highest priorities. We have set a target of establishing 3,000 modern village gyms across the state at a cost of nearly ₹200 crore.”

He further said, “These are not merely gyms. They are the foundation of a healthier generation and a brighter future for Punjab’s youth. Simultaneously, 3,100 sports grounds are being developed across all districts of the state, out of which 250 sports grounds have already been dedicated to the people.”

Highlighting another key initiative, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government has also launched a massive campaign to rejuvenate village ponds across the state. An elaborate plan has already been prepared to clean these ponds, and the treated water will be utilized for agricultural purposes. This initiative will help reduce dependence on underground water and promote sustainable water management.”

Referring to the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, the Chief Minister said, “From July 1, women beneficiaries above the age of 18 years will start receiving notifications on their mobile phones regarding the financial assistance that will be credited directly into their bank accounts. Every woman from Punjab will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month. Women who are already receiving social security pensions will also be eligible under the scheme.”

He noted, “Nearly 97% of women in Punjab are expected to benefit from this landmark initiative. The state government has already made a budgetary provision of ₹9,300 crore to ensure its effective implementation.”

Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Kultar Singh Sandhwan and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reaffirmed that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme temporal authority of the Sikh community and said that all Ministers, MLAs and the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha summoned by the Takht Sahib will appear before it on Monday to present the state government’s position with humility. Declaring that every directive of Sri Akal Takht Sahib is paramount and will be obeyed in true letter and spirit, the Chief Minister said the government would also submit details of the fake video featuring his impersonator..

The Chief Minister pointed out that opposition parties are trying to gain political mileage by giving the issue a religious colour, and asserted that politics and religion must never be mixed while urging the Maharashtra government not to interfere in Sikh religious affairs.

During a media interaction in Sri Amritsar Sahib alongside AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and is the highest temporal seat of our community. Any command or order issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib is acceptable to us with complete reverence and will be obeyed. All our Ministers, MLAs and the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha who have been summoned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib will appear before it on Monday. They will present their side along with the government’s position before the Takht as humble Sikhs.”

The Chief Minister said, “For me, Sri Akal Takht Sahib is above everything. Every order received from the sacred Takht will be obeyed in true letter and spirit. Its command is, was and will always remain supreme for me and my family. My reverence for Sri Akal Takht Sahib is evident from the fact that when I was earlier summoned by the Takht, I even skipped a function of the President of India to appear before it.”

He said, “However, when political appointees occupying religious positions start taking one-sided decisions to appease their political masters, questions naturally arise. The SGPC (Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee) has now ordered that posters calling for my social boycott be displayed outside gurdwaras. Why were such posters never displayed against the Shiromani Akali Dal or Sukhbir Badal after they admitted responsibility for incidents of sacrilege?”

The Chief Minister said, “On December 2, Sukhbir Badal and his associates appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, acknowledged their mistakes, admitted wrongdoing, accepted responsibility for the firing incidents and admitted that orders had been issued against the sangat. Did anyone display posters outside gurdwaras calling for their boycott in the manner they are doing against me today? The sangat is wise and the people are supreme. These individuals are acting out of arrogance because they have no real issue left to raise against me.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Whenever I visit villages, community gatherings and public meetings, massive crowds gather. The opposition cannot tolerate this because they themselves are unable to attract such public support. Frustrated by this overwhelming response, the traditional political parties have stooped to leveling baseless allegations against me. The people of Punjab will never tolerate such politics

He pointed out, “The BJP, Congress and the Akalis want to gain political mileage by defaming me on religious grounds, whereas I have been working only for the welfare of the people on issues like employment, water, electricity, healthcare, education and overall development.”

Replying to a query, the Chief Minister said, “The state government will soon write to the Jathedar explaining how my impersonator was used in a fake video to defame me. The details of the letter are being finalised. After our Ministers and MLAs appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, we will deliberate on the future course of action. The sangat is supreme in the Sikh Panth and every decision will be taken in accordance with its wishes because the sangat is fully capable of judging every action.”

Replying to another query regarding the Maharashtra government’s decision to repeal the 70-year-old Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956, the Chief Minister said, “The Maharashtra government should not interfere in the affairs of the Sikh community. The BJP government in Maharashtra should refrain from hurting the sentiments of Sikhs through such actions, which are not in the interest of anyone. Politics and religion are separate and they should never be mixed under any circumstances.”