SAS NAGAR, MAY 5: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday challenged the relevance of traditional political parties and the BJP in Punjab, asserting that the current government’s pro-people schemes have pushed former leaders into “political oblivion.” During an interaction in Mohali, the Chief Minister declared that the era of misleading the public from “palatial houses” has ended.
The Chief Minister asserted that his government has prioritized essential services, noting that 90 percent of households now receive free electricity and over 65,000 transparent job appointments have been made. He stated that the judicous use of the state exchequer has allowed for the installation of 14,000 kilometers of irrigation pipes, providing critical water support to the farming community.
“The tax money of the people is being judiciously spent on welfare,” Chief Minister Mann said. He affirmed that for the first time in history, farmers are receiving over eight hours of uninterrupted daytime power supply during the paddy season, a move he maintained is transforming rural lives.
Regarding the protection of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Chief Minister stated that the new 2026 Amendment Act serves as a deterrent against any conspiracy to disturb communal harmony. He declared that the state government has a zero-tolerance policy for sacrilege and will ensure that those guilty of such offenses face strict legal consequences.
Chief Minister Mann also announced a ‘Shukrana Yatra’ scheduled from May 6 to May 9 to pay obeisance at various Takhts and Gurdwaras. He affirmed that the government will also lead global celebrations for the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and the 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji to spread messages of equality and humanity.
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond was among those present during the announcement, where the Chief Minister concluded that education remains the only sustainable tool to eliminate poverty and uplift the standard of living for all Punjabis.
