Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday continued his government’s development push across Punjab, unveiling projects worth ₹28.68 crore in Faridkot’s Jaito, including the upgradation of the Community Health Centre into a 30-bed hospital and key investments in drinking water and sports infrastructure, while asserting that the 2022 mandate for the ‘jhaadu’ (AAP’s electoral symbol) has begun realising the dreams of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. The Chief Minister contrasted AAP’s governance model with opposition parties, stating that while AAP is delivering clean water, healthcare, education, ₹10 lakh health insurance and financial support to women, traditional parties had failed to serve the people of Punjab.
He sharpened his attack on the BJP, Congress and Akali Dal, questioning their record in power and accusing them of promoting nepotism and criminal elements in politics, while also taking aim at the Centre over poverty and rising hardships.
Announcing that a special session on April 13 will enact a stringent anti-sacrilege law with provisions of no bail for one year and life imprisonment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared the 2027 elections as a clear choice, saying the Congress symbolises the legacy of anti-Sikh riots, the Akali Dal stands discredited, and AAP represents a governance-driven alternative committed to building a “Rangla Punjab.”
Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of several development projects, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The land of Jaito has always written history, and it deserves our salute. Whether it is literature or struggle, whenever the need arose in any field, Jaito has always stepped forward and stood at the forefront.”
The Chief Minister asserted, “Every vote casted to Akalis will be mandate in favor of sacrilege of Guru and Gurbani.” He said that the Akalis had bruised the psyche of every individual through the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, adding, “Akalis had disrespected the bani of the great Guru Sahiban and ordered firing on the innocents in Behbal Kalan and Bargadi. They have shown grave disrespect to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.” He further stated, “Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib are selected and removed from their pockets, which is totally unfair.”
Referring to claims of development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “The former Deputy Chief Minister claims that massive development of the state took place during their regime but turns blind eye towards Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan and others where sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib took place and innocents were killed.”
Taking a jibe at the Akali Dal’s Punjab Bachao Yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The real name of this gimmick of Akali Dal is parivar bachao yatra.” He added, “I dare the Akali leaders to explain that after looting the state for 15 years, from whom they are trying to save the state.”
He said, “Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly, bruised the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronized several mafias.” He asserted, “The Akali leadership can never be forgiven as it was responsible for the genocide of several generations, as the drug trade was patronized by them and bloomed during their long misrule.”
Continuing, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akalis should be booked for the genocide of generations as the drug trade was patronized by them and flourished during their long misrule.” He added, “The hands of these leaders are drenched with the blood of millions of youth who fell prey to drugs supplied in the state in their official vehicles.” He said, “The sins of these leaders are unpardonable and they can never be forgiven by the people for their long saga of misdeeds.”
Meanwhile, outlining legislative action, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP government has convened the special session of the state assembly on April 13 to amend the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008.” He added, “Anyone attempting sacrilege will face the strictest punishment, with a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.” He further said, “The state government has roped in the best legal experts to frame the law, and the Sant Samaj is also being consulted.”
Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These are opportunist leaders who change their colors and stance like a chameleon as per their convenience and vested political interests.” He added, “Everyone knows that this family was a stooge of Britishers and was conferred the title of Sir by them for hobnobbing against patriots.” He further stated, “The family had feted General Dyer, the perpetrator of Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, by hosting a dinner for him after this heinous incident.”
He said, “This act exposed their anti-national and anti-Punjab mindset.” He added, “Not only this, the family also ensured that General Dyer was bestowed siropa and forgiveness at Golden Temple.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “It is even more shocking that Jathedar Arood Singh, who granted the siropa, was the maternal grandfather of former Lok Sabha MP Simarjit Singh Mann.”
Emphasising history, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “History cannot be wiped out and the dubious characters of Badal’s ancestors are etched on its pages.” He added, “The hands of this family are drenched with the blood of patriots and their role in backstabbing nationalists can never be forgotten.”
Calling out the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In Congress every leader is aspiring to become the head of the state. They have more CMs than workers.” He added, “Their top leader has snubbed them publicly during a recent rally.” He further remarked, “The Congress is a divided house that will collapse due to infighting.” He said, “It is a pity that leaders sent to unite them are not even aware how to pronounce their names.”
Outlining the 2027 choice, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “People will have three pens to choose from.” He explained, “The first pen is Congress with red ink symbolising attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, riots of 1984 and other anti-Sikh stances.” He added, “The second pen is of Akalis with one ink of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.” He asserted, “The third pen is AAP, which is transforming Punjab into Rangla Punjab through path-breaking initiatives.”
Highlighting governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government has taken several pro-people initiatives leading to visible transformation.” He added, “The tax money of people is being judiciously spent on welfare, with people’s money returning through development, schools, hospitals and roads.”
Detailing achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have provided free electricity to 90% households, over 65,000 jobs without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily and strengthened infrastructure.” He further said, “Canal water usage has increased from 22% to 71% and will reach 90% by the coming paddy season.”
Emphasising education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Freebies cannot eliminate poverty; education is the key to uplift people.” He added, “Education is the light that dispels darkness, which is why we are prioritising it.”
On healthcare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, health cards are being issued to 65 lakh families.” He added, “Each family is entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh, with over 30 lakh cards issued and 1.65 lakh treatments already provided.” He urged people to avail benefits.
On power supply, he said, “For the first time, more than eight hours of uninterrupted power has been supplied to farm tube wells during paddy season.” He added, “Farmers are receiving daytime electricity, transforming their lives.” He reiterated, “Every penny of the state exchequer is being used for public welfare.”
Referring to social welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, ₹1000 per month is being given to other category women and ₹1500 to SC women above 18 years.”
Calling the gathering an interaction, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is not a political rally but a platform to connect with people.” He added, “Previous governments played musical chairs and plundered the state, but people voted for change, leading to transformation in schools, hospitals and other sectors.”
Referring to Jaito, he said, “This sacred land has always scripted history and contributed immensely to Punjab’s destiny.” He added, “Traditional leaders were born with silver spoons and never suffered for the country.” He said, “They believe they have a divine right to rule, but in democracy people are supreme.”
Taking a swipe at Sukhbir Singh Badal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Instead of discussing education and welfare, he talks about buffaloes, reflecting a narrow mindset.” He added, “Despite getting multiple chances, they looted the state and were rejected by people.”
Criticising opposition conduct, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Instead of raising real issues, they indulge in mudslinging and wait for their turn to plunder resources.” He added, “Their only aim is power, not public welfare.”
Reiterating AAP’s agenda, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We talk about education, health, power and agriculture, while others focus on grabbing power.” He added, “Their agenda is family welfare, ours is people’s welfare.” He said, “Due to their misrule, people elected Aam Aadmi Party, which is working tirelessly.”
Reminding people of past regimes, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Traditional parties have never been loyal to Punjab.” He added, “They are envious because AAP has set the agenda of welfare.” He further said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is not even aware of Punjab’s basic topography but seeks power.”
Targeting other leaders, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Captain Amarinder Singh and his family have consistently stood with forces inimical to Punjab.” He added, “AAP was formed to transform the system, and Punjab is progressing rapidly, especially in education and health.”
On national issues, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those ruling the country are not acquainted with people’s well being.” He added, “The country is led by a master of phraseology who spends significant time abroad and remains disconnected from ground realities.” He said, “The LPG and oil crisis should have been anticipated.”
Earlier, AAP Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said, “It is a matter of immense pride that Bhagwant Singh Mann has proved to be the most popular Chief Minister.” He added, “He is the only Chief Minister working for people’s welfare, and the party will return to power with a massive mandate.”
Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Ministers Dr Baljeet Kaur and Dr Balbir Singh and others were also present.
