Chandigarh, Jan 14: A Special Investigation Team has successfully tracked down 169 missing saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib that had vanished without proper record-keeping, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann confirmed today. The discovery was made at a religious center in the Banga vicinity, ending a period of uncertainty regarding the location of the holy scriptures.
Mann noted that the absence of paperwork was a primary hurdle, as most of the recovered saroops were not registered with the SGPC or the previous managers. He stated that the government would now facilitate the return of these saroops to the SGPC to ensure they are handled with the appropriate religious protocols.
“The SIT found 169 missing ‘saroops’ from a religious place near Banga, with records existing for only 30,” Mann said. “No agency, neither SGPC nor those who managed them, had proper documentation.”
The Chief Minister clarified that the recovery should be viewed as a mandatory service to the community. He distanced the findings from typical political campaigning, describing the effort as a fundamental obligation of his administration.
“This isn’t an achievement we’re claiming credit for – it’s our duty,” he said.
During the event, Mann also focused on upcoming social welfare programs, specifically the introduction of a monthly stipend for women. He contrasted his administration’s focus on employment and infrastructure with the records of previous rulers, whom he accused of attempting to reclaim power for personal gain.
The Chief Minister categorized the recovery of the missing scriptures as a mandatory service rather than a political feat. He noted that the responsibility for managing the saroops lies with the SGPC, suggesting that the institution had faltered in its obligations due to the influence of the Akali Dal.
“This is not an achievement but our duty,” Mann said. “Publishing of saroops is the responsibility of SGPC and such institutions failed in their duty due to the Akalis.”
The event functioned as a review of administrative goals, including the merit-based hiring of 63,000 young professionals and the decommissioning of 19 toll plazas. Mann said these closures result in a daily saving of ₹64 lakh for the public. He also noted that free electricity now reaches 90 percent of Punjab’s homes and announced that the upcoming Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna will offer cashless medical coverage of up to ₹10 lakh.
“Every file signed by me is aimed at benefiting the common man and the state,” Mann said. “Every decision taken by our government is focused on the progress of Punjab and the prosperity of its people.”
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia observed that the large crowds signaled public readiness for a second term for the current administration. A group of cabinet ministers and lawmakers joined the leaders on stage to endorse the various policy updates.
During the conference, the Chief Minister criticized opposition figures, describing them as opportunists and noting that the public had moved beyond traditional politics. He claimed the high attendance, which he said included individuals transported by Akali Dal buses, proved a significant change in the state’s political leanings.
Mann stated that the AAP’s broom symbol had effectively purged the existing political framework. He argued that established parties find it difficult to reconcile with a leader from a humble background who puts public interest ahead of personal advantage.
“The ‘jhaadu’, which is the symbol of AAP, has cleaned the political system, and that is why traditional parties are baffled,” Mann said. “I will leave no stone unturned to safeguard the interests of Punjab and Punjabis at any cost.”
The Chief Minister specifically mentioned the Akali Dal regarding the sacrilege cases at Bargari and Behbal Kalan. He noted that using religious matters for political gain was an unpardonable act that had caused lasting pain to the community.
Updates on public works and safety were also provided, with Mann stating that 10,000 police recruits are joining the force and 49,000 km of road projects are currently in progress. He noted that irrigation water had reached remote villages for the first time in decades, a priority he said previous administrations had ignored.
“Those who do not know the result of 12 multiplied by 5 are daydreaming of coming to power,” he remarked in a critique of his political opponents.
Sisodia praised the rollout of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, stating that Punjab’s governance model had earned national recognition. He noted that the enthusiasm at the rally served as a clear indicator of the party’s strength.
“The massive participation in this rally clearly shows that people have made up their mind to give another chance to the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government,” Sisodia said.
The event concluded with a tribute to the sacrifice of Bhai Maha Singh ji and the 40 Muktas. Mann said that the legacy of the site serves as a constant inspiration for the people to resist oppression and injustice.
