Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday tore into the BJP, pointing out it is seeking votes to snatch Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Punjab’s water, while making a habit of depriving the state of its rightful rights and financial dues. Slamming the Modi government for withholding Punjab’s RDF (Rural Development Fund) and VAT (Value Added Tax) dues for four-and-a-half years, he also hit out at the Akalis and the BJP over the drug menace, noting the two parties of damaging Punjab during their previous tenures and now preparing to reunite for electoral gains.
The Chief Minister asserted that Punjab would not tolerate any compromise with its rights and interests, adding that the opposition’s frustration stemmed from the continued public support for the Aam Aadmi Party.
During a media interaction, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “BJP is seeking votes by conspiring to snatch Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Punjab’s water. Denying Punjab its rightful claims has become an old habit of the BJP. The people of Punjab have made immense sacrifices for the country, contributed to its food security and stood firmly at the forefront of national defence, yet the state continues to face injustice at the hands of the BJP-led Union government.”
The Chief Minister affirmed, “Punjab will never allow any political party to undermine its interests or compromise the rights of its people. Panjab University is an important institution associated with Punjab’s history, identity and academic legacy, while our water resources are vital to our agricultural economy and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The people of Punjab will not tolerate any conspiracy to weaken the state’s rights over its institutions, water or financial entitlements.”
Calling out the Modi government for Punjab’s pending financial dues, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Modi government has withheld Punjab’s RDF and VAT dues for the past four-and-a-half years. This prolonged withholding of funds is deeply unjust to the people of Punjab and hampers the state’s ability to undertake essential development and rural infrastructure works. Punjab is demanding nothing beyond its legitimate entitlements, and the Union government must fulfil its financial obligations towards the state.”
The Chief Minister affirmed, “The people of Punjab deserve justice, not repeated excuses. Our state has every right to demand its rightful funds, and we will continue to raise our voice firmly against discrimination. No government can indefinitely deny Punjab the resources that rightfully belong to it. Punjab’s development and the welfare of its people cannot be held hostage to the political calculations of the BJP.”
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Launching a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP over the drug crisis, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akalis and the BJP spread the drug menace across Punjab during their tenures in power. Countless families have suffered the emotional and social consequences of addiction, and our youth have paid a heavy price for the failures of these parties. The people of Punjab have not forgotten the damage inflicted on the state’s social fabric.”
He asserted, “The Akalis and the BJP are now preparing to reunite, exposing their political opportunism. Parties that failed Punjab in the past cannot escape accountability by joining hands again for electoral gains. Punjab needs honest leadership, decisive action against drugs and a government committed to protecting the future of its youth, not opportunistic political alliances.”
The Chief Minister noted, “The people will judge political parties by their record and their commitment to Punjab, not by their slogans. Those who compromised the state’s interests cannot erase their past failures through political realignments. Punjab’s future must be built on honest governance, accountability and a firm commitment to the welfare of its people.”
Highlighting the growing public support for the AAP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The growing support of the people for the AAP has left the opposition frustrated and rattled. Their desperation reflects their inability to counter the people’s trust in our government’s work and commitment to public welfare. Instead of offering a credible alternative, the opposition is struggling to come to terms with the public’s support for AAP.”
The Chief Minister affirmed, “Our government is working to safeguard Punjab’s interests, strengthen public services and create better opportunities for its people. We stand firmly with our farmers, youth, workers and ordinary families. Punjab’s progress and the welfare of its people remain our priorities, and we will continue to work with determination to fulfil their aspirations.”
Reiterating his government’s resolve to protect Punjab’s rights, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed, “Punjab’s rights, dignity and interests are non-negotiable. No political pressure or electoral calculation will deter us from raising our voice against injustice and fighting for what rightfully belongs to the state. The people of Punjab have always stood up against injustice and will continue to do so.”
“Punjab’s water, its institutions and its rightful financial dues cannot be treated as political bargaining chips. We will firmly defend the interests of our state and its people. Punjab has contributed immensely to the nation, and its people deserve respect, fairness and justice. Our government will never compromise on the rights of Punjab,” asserted the Chief Minister.
