Punjab News Daily

Faridkot, April 5

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday continued his government’s development push across Punjab, unveiling projects worth Rs 28.68 crore in Faridkot’s Jaito, including the upgradation of the Community Health Centre into a 30-bed hospital and key investments in drinking water and sports infrastructure, while asserting that the 2022 mandate for the ‘jhaadu’ (AAP’s electoral symbol) has begun realising the dreams of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. The Chief Minister contrasted AAP’s governance model with opposition parties, stating that while AAP is delivering clean water, healthcare, education, Rs 10 lakh health insurance and financial support to women, traditional parties had failed to serve the people of Punjab.

He sharpened his attack on the BJP, Congress and Akali Dal, questioning their record in power and accusing them of promoting nepotism and criminal elements in politics, while also taking aim at the Centre over poverty and rising hardships.

Announcing that a special session on April 13 will enact a stringent anti-sacrilege law with provisions of no bail for one year and life imprisonment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared the 2027 elections as a clear choice, saying the Congress symbolises the legacy of anti-Sikh riots, the Akali Dal stands discredited, and AAP represents a governance-driven alternative committed to building a “Rangla Punjab.”

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone of several development projects, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The land of Jaito has always written history, and it deserves our salute. Whether it is literature or struggle, whenever the need arose in any field, Jaito has always stepped forward and stood at the forefront.”

The Chief Minister asserted, “Every vote casted to Akalis will be mandate in favor of sacrilege of Guru and Gurbani.” He said that the Akalis had bruised the psyche of every individual through the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, adding, “Akalis had disrespected the bani of the great Guru Sahiban and ordered firing on the innocents in Behbal Kalan and Bargadi. They have shown grave disrespect to Sri Akal Takht Sahib.” He further stated, “Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib are selected and removed from their pockets, which is totally unfair.”

Referring to claims of development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “The former Deputy Chief Minister claims that massive development of the state took place during their regime but turns blind eye towards Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan and others where sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib took place and innocents were killed.”

Taking a jibe at the Akali Dal’s Punjab Bachao Yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The real name of this gimmick of Akali Dal is parivar bachao yatra.” He added, “I dare the Akali leaders to explain that after looting the state for 15 years, from whom they are trying to save the state.”

He said, “Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly, bruised the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronized several mafias.” He asserted, “The Akali leadership can never be forgiven as it was responsible for the genocide of several generations, as the drug trade was patronized by them and bloomed during their long misrule.”

Continuing, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akalis should be booked for the genocide of generations as the drug trade was patronized by them and flourished during their long misrule.” He added, “The hands of these leaders are drenched with the blood of millions of youth who fell prey to drugs supplied in the state in their official vehicles.” He said, “The sins of these leaders are unpardonable and they can never be forgiven by the people for their long saga of misdeeds.”

Meanwhile, outlining legislative action, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP government has convened the special session of the state assembly on April 13 to amend the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008.” He added, “Anyone attempting sacrilege will face the strictest punishment, with a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.” He further said, “The state government has roped in the best legal experts to frame the law, and the Sant Samaj is also being consulted.”

Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These are opportunist leaders who change their colors and stance like a chameleon as per their convenience and vested political interests.” He added, “Everyone knows that this family was a stooge of Britishers and was conferred the title of Sir by them for hobnobbing against patriots.” He further stated, “The family had feted General Dyer, the perpetrator of Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, by hosting a dinner for him after this heinous incident.”