Addressing a Lok Milni programme among residents of Badwa village in Rupnagar (Ropar), 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, placing their faith instead 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 stated 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. "The Aam Aadmi Party is giving nightmares to leaders of traditional political parties who have misused power 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," he said.
Taking a strong swipe at the alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, Mann said it would prove politically disastrous for both because it is based neither on ideology nor on public welfare. "Leaders of both parties have repeatedly spoken against each other. The people of Punjab are asking with what face they will now seek votes together. The public will teach them a befitting lesson," he added.
Highlighting his government’s work, Mann said he has dedicated his sweat and toil to ensuring all-round development. “Unlike my predecessors, I have never taken even a single penny from the public exchequer. As the son and brother of the people of Punjab, I have focused on sharing their hardships instead of living a life of luxury." He criticized past rulers for remaining confined within the walls of palatial residences, completely disconnected from ordinary citizens.
Highlighting achievements in irrigation, the CM shared that Punjab utilized 96% of available canal water this year through an improved network. The government has laid 14,000 kilometers of pipelines and watercourses across the state, releasing 21,000 cusecs of water—equivalent to the supply of two Bhakra canals. Recharge points have also raised the groundwater table by two to four meters in several areas. Additionally, closing toll plazas has saved citizens nearly ₹70 lakh every day.
In healthcare, nearly 1,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established, providing 107 medicines and 47 diagnostic tests free of cost, serving 75,000 people daily. Over 90% of households receive free electricity, and farmers now get a reliable daytime power supply. Punjab also made history by purchasing a private thermal plant and naming it after Sri Guru Amardass Ji to protect public assets.
For women’s welfare, the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna provides ₹1,000 per month to women of general categories and ₹1,500 to women from the Scheduled Caste category. In education, teachers are being sent abroad for specialized training, and Punjab recently ranked top in the National Achievement Survey. Over 300 students from government 'Schools of Eminence' have qualified for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
The state has also introduced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, offering cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family, with over ₹650 crore worth of free treatment already availed. Infrastructure-wise, a massive project is underway to repair and maintain 43,000 kilometers of link roads for the next five years. Furthermore, the newly deployed Sadak Surakhiya Force (Road Safety Force), consisting of 1,597 personnel and 144 vehicles over 4,200 km of highways, has successfully reduced road accident fatalities by 48.10%—an initiative appreciated even in Parliament.
Finally, speaking on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, Mann called it a historic privilege to pass this law. Under it, anyone found guilty of sacrilege (beadbi) faces 10 years to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹50 lakh. If the fine is unpaid, the offender's property can be liquidated. "Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh. It is our collective duty to ensure its respect and sanctity. The Akalis misused religion for political gains, but this law will ensure strong deterrence against such hurtful acts in the future," he concluded.
