Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that Punjab is witnessing a decisive shift from decades of political exploitation to an era of development, education reform and welfare-driven governance, asserting that the people of the state will once again use the ‘jhaadu’ to wipe out Congress and the Akali Dal-BJP who ruled Punjab turn by turn while neglecting public welfare.

Addressing a gathering in Qadian in border district Gurdaspur after laying the foundation stone for the renovation of 237 rural link roads worth ₹168.44 crore covering nearly 497 km, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is strengthening rural infrastructure, creating jobs and transforming government schools while exposing how earlier regimes prioritised commissions and power politics over the needs of ordinary people.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that while previous governments shut down government schools and neglected border regions, the Punjab Government is building new modern schools, sending teachers abroad for training so that children of Punjab do not have to go abroad for education, attracting ₹1.50 lakh crore investment proposals expected to generate 5.20 lakh jobs, and expanding development to every corner of Punjab, including the decision to make Kahnuwan a Sub Division to bring all key public offices under one roof.

During this, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that traditional parties had long misled the people only to satisfy their hunger for power while looting Punjab’s wealth and neglecting the interests of the common man. “The people of Punjab are supreme and they are standing firmly with the Punjab Government, which has taken path-breaking initiatives for the well-being of every section of society,” he said, adding that political parties that ruled Punjab for decades had no agenda except exploiting people and plundering the resources of the state.

Speaking about the situation in the Majha region, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that smugglers who represented the area for years had destroyed generations of Punjab and must now face the verdict of the people. “We eat the biscuits baked in the bakery, whereas these leaders educated in convent schools in the hills consumed gold biscuits smuggled by their fathers,” said the Chief Minister, adding that such leaders have neither ideology nor commitment to serve the common man and are only obsessed with capturing power.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these royal leaders have nothing in common with ordinary people. “Their cars, their overcoats, their wardrobes and their lifestyles have nothing in common with the lives of ordinary Punjabis,” he said, adding that those who represented the area in the Vidhan Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha ignored development and instead imposed tolls on roads. He also said that the homes of such leaders themselves reflect political opportunism as flags of two different parties can be seen at the same house.

Referring to the internal situation in the Congress party, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every Congress leader wants to become the Chief Minister. “They have more Chief Ministers than ordinary workers,” said the Chief Minister, adding that their top leader recently publicly rebuked them during a rally. “The Congress party is a divided house that will collapse due to its internal infighting,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that it is unfortunate that senior Congress leaders who come to unite their party leaders cannot even pronounce their names correctly. “These leaders have no vision for Punjab. Their only aim is to capture power and plunder Punjab’s wealth, but their dreams will never be fulfilled,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, adding that earlier traditional parties waited for their turn to grab power but now the broom has arrived to clean the mess created by them.

Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, he said that those who cannot even find 11 members to constitute a committee in their own party are dreaming of winning 117 seats in Punjab. He reminded people that such leaders patronised gangsters and allowed drugs to spread among Punjab’s youth by shielding drug smugglers.

“Akali Dal has become a party of political deadwoods who have been rejected by the people time and again,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, adding that although the Akalis may try to misuse religion for political gain, Punjabis will not be misled again.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that Akali leaders are building castles in the air and trying to mislead people, but Punjabis will never forgive them for their past actions. Referring to claims made by Sukhbir Badal regarding development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders conveniently ignore sacrilege incidents that occurred during their tenure.

“These people have bruised the psyche of every common man by using religion for their vested interests, which is an unforgivable sin,” asserted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He added that the Akali leadership is hand in glove with forces that are inimical to the Sikh Panth and Punjab and that such opportunistic leaders only pursue their personal interests.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that traditional parties are uncomfortable with the AAP because the Punjab Government has placed the welfare of the common man at the centre of governance. “Earlier the Congress and BJP played friendly matches by enjoying power on a rotation basis, protecting each other’s interests while looting the state,” he said, adding that they treated governance like a game of musical chairs while ordinary people suffered.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this cycle ended when the AAP entered politics and challenged corruption. “Whenever someone raises their voice against corruption and these entrenched interests, they try to put them behind bars by filing false cases,” he said, adding that beneficiaries of corruption networks attempt to target honest leaders through fabricated charges.

Highlighting the achievements of the Punjab Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that unprecedented steps have been taken in the last four years to improve the lives of people. “The opposition is not concerned about the prosperity of the people. Their only interest is in capturing power,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government is using every rupee of the state exchequer responsibly for public welfare. “More than 90 percent of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity. Farmers are getting power supply during the daytime for irrigation, something that had never happened earlier,” he said.

He also said that while the Union government is selling national assets to a few select friends, the Punjab Government created history by purchasing a private thermal plant and naming it after Sri Guru Amardass ji.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Satkar Scheme under which women above 18 years of age from the general category receive ₹1,000 per month and women from Scheduled Caste communities receive ₹1,500 per month as financial assistance.

“For ordinary families, especially the poor, ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 is a significant support. This assistance is a mark of respect for mothers and daughters,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, adding that the happiness on women’s faces after receiving this support gives him immense satisfaction.

Speaking about education reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that teachers and principals from Punjab Government schools are being sent abroad to upgrade their skills and teaching methods. “Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala,” said Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He further said that students are now receiving specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT. “Around 300 students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations,” said the Chief Minister.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that farmers are now receiving electricity during the daytime for irrigation for the first time, which has brought a major change in their lives. He also said that while the Punjab Government is expanding welfare measures for people, the BJP government in Delhi has stopped such facilities after coming to power.

Highlighting the health sector reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a first-of-its-kind scheme providing cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family in Punjab. “Punjab has become the first state in India to provide such comprehensive healthcare coverage to every family,” said the Chief Minister, adding that the scheme significantly reduces the financial burden on people while ensuring quality healthcare services.

During the event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced several development initiatives for the region. He said that Kahnuwan will be made a Sub Division, a state-of-the-art stadium will be constructed, and the defunct ITI will be made operational again. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the sewerage projects at Qadian and Dhaliwal will be completed in a time-bound manner.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that a training centre on the lines of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy will be established in the Majha region. He also said that the Punjab Government will take up the issue of reopening the Dhaliwal woollen mill with the Union government.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to economic growth, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that major efforts are being made to strengthen industrial infrastructure and attract investment to Punjab. “So far, investment proposals worth ₹1.50 lakh crore have been secured, which will create around 5.20 lakh job opportunities for the youth,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Sharing a few snippets from the gathering on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, a major step was taken to accelerate rural development in Qadian constituency of border district Gurdaspur. The foundation stone was laid for a project to renovate 237 rural link roads at a cost of ₹168.44 crore. Under this project, nearly 497 km of roads will be upgraded, significantly strengthening connectivity in rural areas and addressing problems that residents have faced for decades.”

He further stated, “For a long time, the condition of several roads in the region had deteriorated badly, causing serious difficulties for people in their daily travel. Once the project is completed, it will not only improve connectivity in rural areas but also provide significant relief to farmers, traders and students. Previous governments had deprived rural and border areas of development for years, but we are working with sincerity and commitment to ensure that development reaches every corner of Punjab. The government remains fully committed to connecting Punjab’s villages with strong infrastructure, making life easier for people and taking the state to new heights of development.”

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said the frustration shown by opposition parties over the announcement of ₹1,000 per month for women clearly reflects their fear of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) returning to power in Punjab in 2027. Addressing the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that while parties such as the Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP and Congress repeatedly betrayed the public by ignoring their election promises, the AAP Government has treated its manifesto as a sacred commitment and fulfilled every guarantee for the common people within just four years.

Highlighting the transformative impact of initiatives such as the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Yojna, free electricity, free bus travel, free treatment with ₹10 lakh health insurance, transparent recruitment of 63,943 youth and major investments in infrastructure and industry, Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab is firmly moving ahead on the path of development and the pace of progress will only accelerate in the coming years.

Concluding the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address moved by Talwandi Sabo MLA Professor Baljinder Kaur in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said there was a time when no one even read election manifestos because traditional parties released them merely as a formality a few days before elections. “Traditional parties used to talk about religion and caste in their manifestos, but AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal made a historic initiative by including quality health and education for the common people in the manifesto,” he added.

The Chief Minister noted, “There was a time when manifestos were released just a few days before elections and no one even read them because traditional parties treated them as a formality. Those parties filled their manifestos with discussions on religion and caste. AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal made a historic initiative by including quality health and education for the common people in the manifesto, after which other parties were forced to include these core sectors in their manifestos as well,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Referring to the four-year tenure of the government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he was grateful to God for giving him enormous strength to serve Punjab and its people.

Highlighting the Punjab Government’s achievements in health, education, the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Yojna, Meri Rasoi scheme, Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra scheme, canal water, industry, agriculture and other sectors, he said that the initiatives taken by the Punjab Government have transformed the lives of people. Speaking about the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Yojna, he said that after the announcement of the scheme a wave of happiness has spread across Punjab, especially among women. “After the announcement of the Mukh Mantri Mavaan Dhian Yojna, a wave of happiness has spread across Punjab, especially among women,” he said.

Explaining the scheme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that women above 18 years of age from the general category will receive ₹1000 per month, while women from the SC category will receive ₹1500 per month as financial assistance. “For ordinary people, especially the poor, ₹1000–₹1500 is a significant amount. This amount is a mark of respect for mothers and daughters, and the smile on women’s faces due to this scheme gives me great satisfaction,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that registration for the scheme will begin on April 13 and all eligible beneficiaries can enrol under it. Referring to the Meri Rasoi scheme aimed at ensuring nutritious food for every family, he said that many families are deprived of essential nutrients due to lack of proper food, which adversely affects their health. “Under the Meri Rasoi scheme, 40 lakh families will receive sugar, pulses, mustard oil and salt in their ration, and a budget of ₹1000 crore has been allocated for this scheme,” he said.

Highlighting the health revolution during the last four years, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people’s trust in 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics continues to grow and the number of OPD visits has crossed 5 crore, which is a record. He said that the Punjab Government has implemented the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna to provide free treatment to every family, offering cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family. “Around 900 government and private hospitals have been empanelled under this scheme. Even in developed countries like Canada people have to pay insurance premiums for healthcare, but in Punjab treatment is being provided free of cost,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced that medical colleges will be set up in LehraGaga, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala to impart quality health services to people. He said that since 2022 as many as 934 doctors have been recruited for government hospitals. He also mentioned the success of the Chief Minister Yogshala initiative aimed at carving out a healthy and prosperous Punjab.

Speaking about education reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 118 Schools of Eminence are being established across Punjab to provide quality education. “Principals and teachers are being sent to Finland, Singapore and IIM Ahmedabad for training. Since 2022, a total of 13,765 teachers have been recruited, and it is a matter of immense pride for Punjabis that Punjab secured the top position in the National Achievement Survey 2024,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister further said that the future belongs to Artificial Intelligence and teachers are being trained globally to educate students about AI. He said that farmers are now receiving electricity during the daytime for irrigation for the first time, which has transformed their lives. “Punjab farmers are getting the highest sugarcane price in the country at the rate of ₹416 per quintal,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Highlighting irrigation and infrastructure initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Ferozepur Feeder Canal, considered to be the lifeline of Malwa, has been renovated and a new Malwa Canal is being built for the first time since independence. He said that village libraries are being established to encourage reading among youth and 3200 sports grounds are being developed in villages to channelise the energy of youth in a positive direction and steer them away from the menace of drugs.

Highlighting the transparent employment drive of the Punjab Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 63,943 government jobs have been given to youth so far without any recommendation or bribery. “Earlier, ordinary youth struggled to get government jobs because wealthy people secured them through bribery,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that on March 20 a Tata Steel manufacturing plant worth ₹3200 crore will be inaugurated in Ludhiana, generating employment for 4000 youth. He said that to attract industrial investment the Punjab Progressive Investment Summit will be held in Mohali from March 13 to March 15.

Referring to his visits abroad, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his visits to Japan, South Korea and other countries acted as a catalyst to attract investment, including a ₹1300 crore investment by Japan’s GIC company. Speaking about the power sector, he said that 90% of households are receiving free electricity and recently electricity tariffs were reduced by 70 paise to ₹1.50 per unit. “For the first time the government has purchased a private thermal plant of GVK company and named it after Sri Guru Amar Das Ji,” he said.

Highlighting infrastructure initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that under the Roshan Punjab initiative ₹5000 crore is being spent to strengthen infrastructure including underground electricity cables. He said that the formation of the ultra modern Sadak Surakhya Force has reduced road accident deaths in Punjab by 48%. Reiterating the zero tolerance policy against corruption, he said that an anti corruption helpline (95012-00200) was launched and more than 1000 arrests have been made so far.

Referring to the damage caused by last year’s floods, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that compensation was provided for crop losses, damaged houses and livestock. He said that under the Jis Da Khet, Us Di Ret scheme farmers have benefited significantly and flood affected farmers were also provided 84,889 quintals of wheat seed free of cost worth ₹33.96 crore.

Speaking about religious pilgrimage initiatives, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that under the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme many elderly citizens got the opportunity to visit religious places for the first time. “Devotees will now also be taken for darshan to Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Maharashtra,” said the Chief Minister.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the Easy Registry and Easy Jamabandi system has been implemented to permanently end difficulties faced during property registration. He said that a total of 44,920 kilometres of roads are being renovated at a cost of ₹16,209 crore, including ₹14,328 crore for renovation and ₹1,880 crore for five years of maintenance.

Targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people gave five opportunities to former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the father of Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, but instead of developing Punjab the family only developed itself. “People are well aware of their dubious character and will never forgive them for the sins against Punjab and its people,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that 19 toll plazas have been closed in Punjab, saving ₹64 lakh daily for the public and tax on vehicles carrying Holy Scriptures has also been waived.

Criticising Congress MLAs for walking out of the Assembly, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Congress will face a crushing defeat in 2027 and the situation will be such that the people of Punjab may not even elect a single MLA to sit on the opposition benches. “The Punjab Government will continue to serve the people with dedication, commitment and honesty to build the Punjab of the dreams of the martyrs. It is the bounden duty of the Punjab Government and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.