FARIDKOT, Apr 5 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday launched an attack on the Congress, Akali Dal and the BJP, questioning their record in power and accusing them of promoting nepotism and criminal elements in politics.
Mann was addressing a gathering after unveiling Rs 28.68 crore of projects, including the upgradation of the Community Health Centre into a 30-bed hospital and key investments in drinking water and sports infrastructure, an official statement said.
The chief minister said that while his government is delivering clean water, healthcare, education, Rs 10 lakh health insurance and financial support to women, traditional parties “failed” to serve the people of Punjab.
A special session on April 13 will enact a stringent anti-sacrilege law with provisions of no bail for a year and life imprisonment, he said.
He declared the 2027 elections as a clear choice, alleging that Congress symbolises the “legacy of anti-Sikh riots”, the Akali Dal stands discredited, and the AAP represents a governance-driven alternative committed to building a ‘Rangla Punjab’ (vibrant Punjab).
“Every vote given to Akalis will be a mandate in favour of sacrilege of Guru and Gurbani,” he alleged.
While referring to the 2015 sacrilege incidents and police firing at anti-sacrilege protesters in Faridkot, Mann accused the Akalis of bruising the psyche of every individual through the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib.
“They (Akalis) disrespected the ‘bani’ of the great Guru Sahiban and ordered firing on the innocents in Behbal Kalan and Bargari. They have shown grave disrespect to Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” he added.
“The former Deputy Chief Minister (Sukhbir Badal) claims that massive development of the state took place during their regime, but turns a blind eye towards Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan, where sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib took place, and innocents were killed,” he said.
He alleged that the Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly, bruised the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronised several mafias.
“The Akali leadership can never be forgiven as it was responsible for the genocide of several generations, as the drug trade was patronised by them and bloomed during their long misrule,” he further alleged.
Mann said the AAP government convened a special session of the state assembly on April 13 to amend the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008.
“Anyone attempting sacrilege will face the strictest punishment, with a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment,” he said.
Attacking the Congress, the chief minister said that in the opposition party, every leader is aspiring to become the head of the state. “They have more chief ministers than workers,” he said.
“The Congress is a divided house that will collapse due to infighting,” Mann claimed. He said instead of raising real issues, they indulge in mudslinging and wait for their turn to plunder resources.
“Their only aim is power, not public welfare,” he alleged.
Highlighting governance, Mann said his government has taken several pro-people initiatives leading to visible transformation. The tax paid by people is being judiciously spent on welfare, with people’s money returning through development, schools, hospitals and roads, he added.
“We have provided free electricity to 90 per cent households, over 65,000 jobs without corruption, improved roads, closed toll plazas saving Rs 70 lakh daily and strengthened infrastructure,” he said.
Canal water usage has increased from 22 per cent to 71 per cent and will reach 90 per cent by the coming paddy season, the chief minister said. (PTI)
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