During a massive ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ Bhajan Sandhya in Talwara, Hoshiarpur, alongside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced a major expansion of the Bhagwant Mann Government’s free ‘Teerath Yatra’ (pilgrimage) Yojana. From August, the Punjab Government will begin facilitating free Teerath Yatra to Khatu Shyam Ji – Salasar, Haridwar – Rishikesh and Mathura – Vrindavan. Registration for the three new routes will open in August, with the government preparing to facilitate ‘darshan’ for 1.5 lakh devotees.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “The Bhagwant Mann Government’s free ‘Teerath Yatra’ Yojna currently takes devotees to Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib, with the entire cost of AC buses, hotels, food and other arrangements borne by the government. The scheme has now been expanded with three new routes. Buses will now also operate to Salasar Ji – Khatu Shyam Ji, Mathura – Vrindavan and Haridwar – Rishikesh. Registration for these three new routes will begin in August and the government will facilitate ‘darshan’ for 1.5 lakh pilgrims.”
Speaking about the financial assistance for women, the AAP Supremo said, “Women whose accounts have not yet received the money despite completing their registration will receive ₹3,000 on 1 August, covering July, August and September together. Women from SC communities will receive ₹4,500. On 1 July, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann transferred the money into the accounts of 32 lakh women, and on 1 August, more than 50 lakh women will receive the benefit.”
Explaining how the government is funding these pro-people schemes, Arvind Kejriwal asserted, “The government has so much money because the Chief Minister of Punjab is honest. Every Chief Minister Punjab had in the past faced allegations, and after completing five years it would emerge that their wives and children had looted money. But till date, not a single allegation involving even a single rupee has been made against Bhagwant Mann, his family or any of his ministers. Bhagwant Mann is the most honest Chief Minister. There has never been such a Chief Minister and there never will be.”
Highlighting the transformation under the Aam Aadmi Party government, he added, “Before the Aam Aadmi Party government came to power, people in Punjab used to receive electricity bills running into several thousand rupees. But for the last four years, people have been receiving zero electricity bills. The Bhagwant Mann Government has also provided health insurance with ₹10 lakh cover to every family, and women have started receiving ₹1,000 every month.”
Referring to the historical and religious significance of Amritsar, the AAP Chief said, “Amritsar is home to Bhagwan Valmiki Mandir, where the Ramayan was written, where Sita Maiya lived, where Luv Kush were born, and where Luv Kush stopped the Ashwamedh horse. The government has now decided to construct a grand and magnificent temple dedicated to Sita Maiya and Luv Kush next to Bhagwan Valmiki Mandir.”
Speaking about religious initiatives across the state, Arvind Kejriwal emphasised, “Bhajan Sandhya programmes like ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ are being organised in all 22 cities of Punjab. In addition, CM Bhagwant Mann is spending ₹80 crore to develop the Kali Mata Mandir in Patiala into a grand and magnificent temple, which will be completed by 30 September. After that, everyone should visit for darshan. Seeking the blessings of Kali Mata fulfils all wishes.”
Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I am honoured to come to such a pious place and participate in this sacred event. It is a matter of immense pride for me to be here amongst this august gathering and spread the message of humanity, unity and love. I am happy that all of you have come here in such large numbers to participate in this event.”
The Chief Minister said, “The immense love and blessings of the people give confidence to the state government to serve them with greater zeal and commitment. Punjab is a fertile land where every seed can germinate except the seed of hatred. The bond of unity in our state is so strong that people celebrate every festival together.”
He said, “Punjab has always been a land of communal harmony and freedom. Divisive forces can never succeed here. Though today’s function is dedicated to Lord Shiva, people belonging to every religion are participating in it, which reflects the true spirit of Punjab.”
Highlighting the achievements of the state government, the Chief Minister stated, “Keeping public convenience as our top priority, we have shut down 19 toll plazas, resulting in daily savings of nearly ₹70 lakh for the common people. We have provided more than 68,000 government jobs to the youth in a completely transparent manner. Today, 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity, farmers are getting power supply during the daytime, nearly 44,000 kilometres of roads are being constructed and several other development works are progressing at a rapid pace.”
The Chief Minister further said, “We have significantly strengthened the canal irrigation system, and today there is no shortage of canal water for the agriculture sector. Our government has undertaken extensive efforts to improve irrigation infrastructure for the benefit of farmers.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “From July 1, women have started receiving financial assistance directly in their bank accounts under the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana. Every eligible woman is entitled to ₹1,000 per month, while women belonging to Scheduled Castes receive ₹1,500 per month. The funds are being transferred directly into bank accounts, and women already receiving social security pensions are also eligible under the scheme. Nearly 97% of women in Punjab are benefiting from this initiative, and the state government has earmarked ₹9,300 crore in the Budget for it.”
Announcing another major initiative, the Chief Minister said, “The BBMB Hospital will be upgraded on the lines of PGI Chandigarh to provide quality healthcare services to the people. It is my dream to develop this hospital on the lines of PGI because people face a lot of hardship due to the lack of advanced medical facilities. We will provide the latest medical equipment and deploy specialist doctors in this hospital. It has a beautiful building, but it cannot serve its true purpose until it is equipped with modern machines and qualified doctors.”
