Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal over incidents of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) during its tenure, calling out Akali leaders for failing to deliver justice and shielding the guilty while in power. After paying obeisance at Gurdwara Bir Baba Budha Sahib, the Chief Minister, who also addressed gathering at Patti, said that those who once claimed they would rule Punjab for 25 years are today unable to gather even 25 people for their meetings.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Akalis themselves were involved in ‘beadbi’, which is why they could never bring such legislation. People, especially in the Majha region, kept voting for them considering them followers of Baba Nanak, but they disrespected the ‘bani’ through ‘beadbi’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Such were the circumstances that no proper action was taken, no culprits were identified, and the police would simply claim the accused were unknown.”
Attacking the opposition over its stand on the law, the Punjab CM said, “Those who once claimed they would rule for 25 years do not even have 25 people standing with them today. The whole world is happy with these laws, but one family controlling the SGPC is unhappy and claims that the Panth does not approve of this law. Instead, they should welcome and support its implementation so that no one dares commit such dastardly acts again.”
Expressing gratitude after the legislation was passed, he continued, “It was with Guru Sahib’s blessings and wisdom that we were able to enact the law people had been waiting for over a long time. I have come here to thank the Almighty for enabling the government to frame a law against ‘beadbi’. The immense love showered by people reflects the prayers and support everyone has offered for this law.”
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“After consulting many prominent lawyers from across the country, the state has drafted a law so strong that no one will dare even look toward Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji with disrespect. If anyone attempts such an act in the future, they will spend their entire life in prison until death. This is not my achievement, it is Guru Sahib who made this happen and blessed me with the opportunity to serve,” he emphasised.
Speaking about development in border areas, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “Previous governments could also have enacted such a law, but they lacked honest intentions. The state government is committed to ensuring there is no shortage of development in the Majha region. New schools and hospitals will be built because earlier teachers and doctors did not want to serve here and would immediately seek transfers.”
On reforms in government services, he further added, “We have introduced a law requiring government teachers to serve in border regions for at least two years before their jobs are confirmed, and the same applies to doctors. The state government is committed to the well-being of every section of society. Strenuous efforts are being made to carve out a Rangla Punjab, and no stone is being left unturned for it.”
Listing the government’s achievements, the Punjab CM stated, “I am fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to me by the people in 2022 with complete honesty, and all promises are being delivered. Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established across the state where treatment is being provided free of cost, excellent government schools are being built for children, 90% of households are receiving free electricity, cities are becoming cleaner, sewer systems are being upgraded, hospitals have been modernised, and every family can avail treatment up to ₹10 lakh under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.”
Highlighting support for farmers, the Chief Minister said, “Farmers are receiving free electricity during the day. The state government has laid nearly 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and revived watercourses to ensure Punjab’s water reaches every field, even at the tail ends.”
