Addressing a Lok Milni programme among residents of Badwa village in Rupnagar (Ropar) on Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people of Punjab had decisively rejected the politics of loot, privilege and deception in 2022 by voting out seven former Chief Ministers and their families and placing their faith in an honest government. Taking aim at the Congress, BJP and Akalis, he said these parties have no development agenda for Punjab and remain interested only in power and vested interests. He asserted that while opposition leaders are unable to digest Punjab’s progress under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government, every rupee of taxpayers’ money is now being spent on public welfare rather than on luxuries for those in power.

The Chief Minister also said that the BJP imposed anti-farmer laws, the Akalis misused religion for political gains, and the renewed Akali-BJP alliance is merely an opportunistic attempt to regain power, which the people of Punjab will firmly reject.

Addressing the gathering on Monday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Aam Aadmi Party is giving nightmares to leaders of traditional political parties who have misused power for their vested interests for decades. More than 700 farmers were martyred during the agitation against the anti-farmer laws imposed by the BJP. It is a fact that the BJP has always treated Punjab unfairly and today these parties are attempting to divide people in the name of religion for political gains.”

Taking a strong swipe at the renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the alliance would prove politically disastrous for both parties because it is based neither on ideology nor on any commitment towards public welfare. He said, “This alliance is aimed solely at grabbing power in Punjab. Leaders of both parties have repeatedly spoken against each other and hurled accusations at one another. The people of Punjab are asking with what face they will now seek votes together. The people will not be misled by such political theatrics and will teach them a befitting lesson in the coming days.”

Highlighting the work of his government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has dedicated his sweat and toil to ensuring the all-round development of Punjab and that every passing day is witnessing new pro-people initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens. He said, “Unlike my predecessors, I have never taken even a single penny from the public exchequer. Rather, I have ensured that every rupee belonging to taxpayers is spent judiciously for public welfare. As the son and brother of the people of Punjab, I have focused on sharing their hardships and solving their problems instead of living a life of luxury.”

The Chief Minister said that no previous ruler had ever reached out to people in such a direct manner to understand their difficulties and resolve them with dedication. He said that earlier governments remained confined within the walls of palatial residences and rarely interacted with ordinary citizens. “Those arrogant politicians remained disconnected from the people and today they are baffled by every initiative of the Punjab Government. On the other hand, I remain among the people, seeking feedback and framing development-oriented and citizen-centric policies that are accelerating Punjab’s progress,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that his government’s continuous efforts for Punjab’s development have left opposition leaders frustrated. “They cannot digest the fact that the welfare of common people and the progress of Punjab are now the government’s top priorities. Their constant criticism only reflects their desperation. I may not have experience in looting public wealth, but I certainly know how to share the pain of ordinary people and resolve their issues. I am working with complete dedication for the prosperity of Punjab and its people, and that is what troubles the opposition,” he added.

Criticising previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that regions blessed with immense natural beauty and abundant resources were neglected for years because successive governments failed to harness their potential. He said that for decades only two political formations alternated in power while exploiting the sentiments of people and looting the resources of the state.

“The people of Punjab now have an alternative in the ‘jhaadu’(AAP’s electoral symbol), which has cleansed the political system of the state. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the people rejected seven former Chief Ministers and their families and entrusted power to an honest government. That historic mandate has played a pivotal role in transforming Punjab and making it a frontrunner among Indian states,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the AAP Government in the irrigation sector, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab utilised 96% of available canal water this year through an improved irrigation system, significantly benefiting farmers. He said that water that earlier went waste is now being productively utilised across agricultural areas. The Chief Minister said, “The AAP Government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses across the state to ensure irrigation facilities reach every corner of Punjab. Around 21,000 cusecs of water have been released through these pipelines and watercourses, helping farmers meet their irrigation requirements. This quantity of water is equivalent to the supply of two Bhakra canals and will immensely benefit farmers.”

He further said that recharge points have been developed in canals and rivers to improve groundwater levels. “As a result, the groundwater table has risen by two to four metres in several areas. This demonstrates how taxpayers’ money is being utilised responsibly and returned to people through development projects, schools, hospitals, roads and other welfare initiatives,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP Government has also closed toll plazas, saving people nearly ₹70 lakh every day. He reiterated that public money is being spent solely for public welfare and not for the benefit of a select few.

Highlighting healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that nearly 1,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established across Punjab, where 107 medicines and 47 diagnostic tests are being provided free of cost. He said that no previous government in the last 75 years had bothered to provide such healthcare facilities to ordinary citizens. “These clinics have strengthened people’s faith in government healthcare institutions. Around 75,000 people visit these clinics every day for treatment, demonstrating the trust people have developed in this initiative,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that every penny from the state exchequer is being utilised for the welfare of Punjab’s people. He stated that more than 90 per cent of households in the state are receiving free electricity and that farmers are now receiving daytime power supply, a long-standing demand that had remained unfulfilled for decades. “At a time when valuable national assets are being handed over to select corporate interests at throwaway prices, Punjab has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant and naming it after Sri Guru Amardass Ji. This reflects our commitment to strengthening public assets rather than weakening them,” he said.

Speaking about women’s welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna under which women above 18 years of age from all other categories receive ₹1,000 per month while women from the Scheduled Caste category receive ₹1,500 per month. “For ordinary families, especially poor households, ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 is a significant amount. More importantly, this assistance represents respect and dignity for mothers and daughters. The smiles on the faces of women benefiting from this scheme provide immense satisfaction,” he said.

Highlighting educational reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that teachers and principals from government schools are being sent abroad for specialised training to enhance their professional skills and improve classroom teaching standards. He said that Punjab has achieved the top rank in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala.

The Chief Minister said, “Students in government schools are now receiving specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT. I am delighted to share that nearly 300 students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations. These achievements demonstrate the remarkable transformation taking place in Punjab’s education sector.”

He said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers are receiving electricity during daytime hours for irrigation, which has transformed agricultural operations and improved farmers’ quality of life.

Drawing a comparison with the BJP government in Delhi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that while Punjab is continuously expanding welfare initiatives for common people, similar programmes have been discontinued elsewhere after governments changed. “These parties have always opposed policies aimed at benefiting ordinary citizens and remain reluctant to implement people-centric programmes,” he said.

Speaking about healthcare coverage, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first scheme of its kind in the country to provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. “It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab is the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. This scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality healthcare services. More than ₹650 crore worth of free treatment has already been availed by beneficiaries,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers have been provided more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply to agricultural tube wells during the paddy season. He reiterated that every rupee from the public exchequer is being spent for public welfare and development.

Highlighting infrastructure development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched a massive programme for the repair and upgradation of link roads across the state. He said that Punjab has approximately 43,000 kilometres of link roads and that a comprehensive project has been launched to repair and modernise them. “The AAP Government has taken another historic decision. Along with repairing these roads, their maintenance will also be ensured for the next five years. This will guarantee better connectivity and improve transportation facilities for rural and urban residents alike,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the AAP Government has also launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to improve road safety and save precious lives on state and national highways. “Specially trained and newly recruited personnel, including women, have been deployed as part of this force. A total of 1,597 personnel supported by 144 fully equipped vehicles are working across Punjab’s highways. Since the launch of the force in February last year, road accident fatalities have declined by 48.10%,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force has been deployed across 4,200 kilometres of accident-prone highways and functions both as a rapid response mechanism and as a deterrent against traffic violations. “Even Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has appreciated this initiative on the floor of Parliament,” he added.

Speaking about the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Almighty had bestowed upon him the opportunity to serve humanity through this historic legislation. He said, “Under this law, anyone found guilty of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) can face imprisonment ranging from ten years to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹50 lakh. If the offender fails to pay the fine, their property can be sold. The purpose of this law is to ensure that future generations understand the serious consequences of hurting people’s sentiments by disrespecting Sri Guru Sahib Ji.”

Expressing hope that the legislation would act as a strong deterrent against beadbi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji occupies a sacred place in the hearts of Sikhs and that it is the responsibility of the government to protect its sanctity. “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh. It is our collective duty to ensure its respect and sanctity. If the government does not take responsibility in this regard, nobody else will. The Akalis misused religion for their political interests and the people have not forgotten that. We are fortunate to have been entrusted with the responsibility of passing this historic legislation, which will help prevent such incidents in the future,” he added.

As talk of a renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP gathers pace, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said the coming together of the two parties reflects a desperate bid to regain political power after being repeatedly rejected by the people of Punjab. Addressing a Lok Milni among residents of Shamaspur village in the Amloh constituency, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the SAD-BJP alliance was not being forged for public welfare or any shared ideology but to revive the politics that had harmed Punjab through the patronage of the drug menace, anti-farmer policies and divisive agendas.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also targeted the BJP over the misuse of central agencies and said the Congress remained consumed by internal rivalries and leadership ambitions. Highlighting a series of pro-people initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Government, he asserted that Punjabis had chosen honest governance and development in 2022 and would not allow a return to the politics of loot, deception and vested interests.

During the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “Punjabis have already rejected traditional parties and will not allow them to return through opportunistic political arrangements that serve neither ideology nor public welfare.”

Speaking on the emerging alliance between the Akali Dal and BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akali Dal-BJP alliance will prove fatal for both parties because it is not based on any ideology or concern for public welfare. Its sole objective is to grab power in Punjab. Leaders of both parties have spent years attacking each other and spewing venom against one another. They must now explain to the people with what face they will seek public support. Punjabis will not be misled by such political theatrics and will teach them a befitting lesson.”

Targeting the BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The BJP has always displayed an anti-Punjab mindset and repeatedly treated Punjab in a discriminatory manner, jeopardising the state’s development and progress. More than 700 farmers laid down their lives during the struggle against the anti-farmer laws imposed by the BJP. The party has consistently treated Punjab unfairly and is now trying to divide people in the name of religion.”

Expressing concern over the misuse of central agencies, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “These agencies are increasingly functioning as extensions of the BJP and are being used to pressure and intimidate people into supporting the saffron party. Political opponents and even small traders are being arm-twisted for partisan interests. By targeting opponents through such means, the BJP is attempting to silence democratic voices, and Punjab will never tolerate such actions.”

Coming down heavily on the Akali Dal over incidents of beadbi and the drug menace during its tenure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the party repeatedly sought votes in the name of Gurbani but failed to protect its sanctity when Punjab witnessed incidents that deeply hurt the sentiments of people.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akalis sought votes in the name of Gurbani but failed to uphold its sanctity. Despite repeatedly invoking the teachings of the Gurus, they presided over a period when incidents of beadbi deeply hurt the sentiments of Punjabis. Those who speak about development during their tenure conveniently ignore Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan and other painful episodes where innocent lives were lost.”

Taking a direct swipe at Shiromani Akali Dal leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal speaks about development during the Akali regime but turns a blind eye towards Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan and other incidents where beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place and innocent people lost their lives. The Akalis should be held accountable for ruining generations because the drug trade flourished under their patronage during their long misrule.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “The hands of these leaders are drenched with the blood of millions of youth who fell prey to drugs supplied across the state. Their sins are unpardonable and the people can never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds. Akali leaders mercilessly looted Punjab and committed numerous atrocities on ordinary citizens during their long and tyrannical rule.”

Warning against any future alliance between the Akali Dal and BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Both parties now want to join hands again to satisfy their hunger for power. Such an alliance will prove disastrous for Punjab because its only objective is to derail the state’s progress and push it back into darker times. Punjabis understand the character and intentions of these parties and will never support such a narrow-minded alliance.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed that traditional parties have repeatedly exploited people by dividing them on communal lines. “These parties have no agenda beyond looting Punjab’s resources and exploiting ordinary citizens. The people of Punjab are supreme and they stand firmly with a government that is working sincerely for every section of society.”

Taking a swipe at the Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Every Congress leader wants to become Chief Minister. They have more chief ministerial aspirants than workers. Congress leaders continue to dream about returning to power, but the party is deeply divided and consumed by infighting. They have no vision for Punjab and their only objective is to gain power.”

He added, “Congress leaders are daydreaming about assuming power in Punjab. The party is a divided house that will collapse like a house of cards because of its internal feuds. Their only objective is to gain control of Punjab’s resources and the people are fully aware of their intentions.”

Recalling the historic mandate given by the people in 2022, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab has witnessed a paradigm shift in governance after decades of rule by traditional political parties. “For decades, traditional parties simply waited for their turn to occupy power. Today, the broom is cleaning the mess created by those parties. In 2022, the people rejected seven former Chief Ministers and their families and entrusted power to an honest government. That historic mandate has transformed Punjab and enabled us to work tirelessly for public welfare.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the 2022 verdict played a key role in transforming Punjab and making it a frontrunner state in the country. He added that the AAP Government is making concerted efforts to ensure the welfare of every section of society.

Referring to the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Almighty has blessed us with the opportunity to serve humanity through this historic legislation. Anyone found guilty of beadbi can now face imprisonment ranging from ten years to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹50 lakh. If the fine is not paid, property can be attached and sold so future generations remember the consequences of disrespecting Sri Guru Sahib Sahib.”

Expressing confidence that the law would act as a strong deterrent against beadbi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh and it is our collective responsibility to preserve its sanctity. Those who misused religion for political gains cannot be forgiven. We are fortunate to have fulfilled our responsibility by enacting this historic law, which will act as a deterrent against such incidents in future.”

He further said, “This legislation will ensure that no one dares to commit such a crime in future. If the Punjab Government cannot protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, nobody else will. We have been fortunate to pass this historic legislation which will help prevent such unfortunate incidents.”

Highlighting the achievements of the AAP Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The tax money of the people belongs to the people and we are ensuring that every rupee is spent on their welfare. People’s money is being returned to them through better schools, hospitals, roads and public services.”

He added, “More than 90 % of households are receiving free electricity, over 67,000 youth have secured government jobs without corruption, roads are being upgraded, toll plazas have been closed saving ₹70 lakh daily, and major infrastructure projects are underway.”

Speaking about irrigation reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “When we assumed office, only 22 % canal water was being utilised for irrigation. Today, that figure has crossed 80%.”

Highlighting efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP Government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses across the state and released 21,000 cusecs of water through them. This is equivalent to the water supplied by two Bhakra canals and will greatly benefit farmers.”

Referring to measures aimed at improving groundwater levels, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Recharge points have been created in canals and rivers, resulting in groundwater levels rising by two to four metres in several areas. This is an investment in the future of Punjab because without water, Punjab’s very identity is at risk.”

Emphasising the role of education in social transformation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “No concession or welfare card can permanently eliminate poverty. Only education can uplift families, transform lives and help people break free from the vicious cycle of poverty.”

Highlighting Punjab’s progress in education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Due to sustained reforms, Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle-school education.” He added, “Over the last four years, the AAP Government has strengthened schools, introduced smart classrooms, provided advanced teacher training and modernised the education system. Today Punjab stands at the top because of these efforts.”

Referring to recent rankings, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “NITI Aayog has released new figures showing that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle-school education.”

The Chief Minister further said, “For the last four years, the AAP Government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms. Earlier Kerala held the top position, but Punjab has now secured the number one rank with a huge margin. We will continue making even greater efforts in the future.”

Describing education as the most powerful instrument for social transformation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Education is the light that dispels darkness and transforms society. That is why our government is giving the highest priority to this sector.”

Speaking about healthcare initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, health cards are being issued to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, entitling every family to cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh annually.” He added, “More than 30 lakh beneficiaries have already received their health cards and people have availed treatment worth around ₹650 crore under the scheme. I urge all eligible families to take maximum benefit of these cards.”

Highlighting improvements in power supply for farmers, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “For the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers have received more than eight hours of uninterrupted electricity during the paddy season and daytime power supply for irrigation, significantly improving their lives.”

Referring to Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP Government has launched this scheme under which women above 18 years of age will receive ₹1,000 per month of all other categories and ₹1,500 per month of the SC category. Eligible beneficiaries will begin receiving benefits from July 1.”

Calling the Lok Milni an opportunity to directly engage with people, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is not a political event but a platform for direct interaction with citizens. Governments came and went in Punjab, but few genuinely cared about people’s welfare. Traditional parties treated governance like a game of musical chairs and looted Punjab’s resources. The people responded by placing their faith in the broom, which has transformed schools, hospitals and public services across the state.”