Chandigarh, March 12: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has declared that the state’s latest budget is a tribute to the legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and legendary martyrs, focusing on healthcare, education, and social equality. Concluding the budget session in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister stated that the AAP government has transitioned the state from basic street-paving budgets to world-class infrastructure and educational reforms.
“They kept people poor by not allowing our children to study; today those same children are clearing JEE and NEET,” the Chief Minister asserted. He noted that the establishment of Schools of Eminence has allowed students from underprivileged backgrounds to excel in national competitive examinations. He further affirmed that the state has provided approximately 64,000 government jobs to date, with another 10,000 posts being created in the Punjab Police.
Regarding regional issues, the Chief Minister maintained a firm stance on Punjab’s resources. He stated that while Himachal Pradesh and Haryana refer to Punjab as an “elder brother,” they simultaneously demand shares in Chandigarh, water royalties, or the construction of the SYL canal. He noted that due to his government’s persistent efforts, Haryana did not allocate funds for the SYL canal in its recent budget.
The Chief Minister also addressed the absence of the Akali Dal, Congress, and BJP from the debate, asserting that these parties treat the electorate as a means to buy votes during elections. He maintained that the Shiromani Akali Dal is responsible for past eras of drug prevalence and gangsterism, which he stated damaged entire generations.
“I’m still Chief Minister today and will remain so even after 2027,” he declared, adding that the government remains fully committed to the prosperity of the people. He noted that ₹100 crore has been allocated to celebrate the 650th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj on a grand scale, reflecting the state’s commitment to social and spiritual heritage.
