A unique emotional wave is being witnessed in the streets of Tarnaran in Punjab’s politics. Just before the upcoming by-election on November 11, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said something to the people here that was completely different from traditional political tactics. During a massive road show in support of Aam Aadmi Party candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu, when Mann stood on top of a jeep and said, “I am not the Chief Minister, I am the Grief Minister – I have come to share your sorrows and joys, not just to sit on a chair,” the reaction of thousands of people made the atmosphere emotional, with slogans of ‘Inquilab’ (Revolution) echoing everywhere.
Mann connected himself to Tarnaran’s soil by recalling his past. He said that he too came from these villages, went to school on a bicycle, and traveled to college sitting on bus rooftops – because in those days, students couldn’t find space inside the buses. Referring to this personal experience, he said that his government fully understands the pain of farmers whose crops get destroyed, the value of workers’ hard work, and the everyday struggles of common households. The Chief Minister admitted that this area has gone through many difficult times before, but now is the time for all of us to move forward together on a new path of development.
Mann clarified that his commitment to being a ‘Grief Minister’ is not limited to mere statements. During this year’s devastating floods, the speed at which his government worked became an example. He stated that every affected person was ensured compensation of 20,000 rupees per acre within just 45 days, and relief was delivered to every household before Diwali. Besides this, his government has introduced a model of direct relief in just three and a half years. Today, 90 percent of Punjab’s households have zero electricity bills because up to 300 units of free electricity is being provided every month. Young people have received 56,000 government jobs through a completely transparent recruitment process – without any bribes or recommendations. School systems have been improved, Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened in villages providing free treatment, big drug mafia leaders have been sent to jail. Farmers are getting guaranteed MSP and direct benefits of loan waivers, bringing prosperity back to the fields.
He said that old parties gave only corruption, drugs, and unemployment in 70 years, while his government has given a model of honesty. The Chief Minister accused traditional parties of “ruthlessly looting” Punjab and its people, which led to their removal from state power.
During campaigning, the Chief Minister said, “The enthusiasm and passion of Tarnaran constituency’s villages are themselves bearing witness to Aam Aadmi Party’s victory. This victory of ours will work for your children’s better future.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed confidence that the state government has ensured Punjab’s overall development and people’s prosperity. He claimed that in the absence of any solid issues, the opposition is criticizing the state government only for the sake of it. Mann said, “The enthusiasm and passion of Tarnaran constituency’s villages are themselves bearing witness to Aam Aadmi Party’s victory.” He appealed to the people of Tarnaran that November 11 is no longer just an election, but it will decide whether people will trust a leader who considers himself not the owner of a chair, but a partner in people’s joys and sorrows. He emphasized that “this victory of ours will work for your children’s better future.“
