Amritsar, Jan 19—Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has signaled an early start to the 2027 election cycle by naming Talbir Singh Gill as the AAP candidate for the Majitha constituency. Speaking at a ceremony to launch rural road projects in the Akali heartland on Sunday, Mann positioned the move as a final stand against the “reign of terror” he claims has long dominated the area.
The selection of Gill is a pointed strike at the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership. Gill was once a trusted lieutenant of Bikram Singh Majithia, who is currently incarcerated in Nabha jail. After moving to the ruling party in May 2024, Gill is now being tasked with dismantling the very political machine he once helped run.
“This very Majitha area was once controlled by people who had hosted General Dyer for dinner on the same day as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre,” Mann said, addressing the crowd.
The Chief Minister linked the Akali Dal to a “dark era” for Punjab, citing past sacrilege incidents and the suppression of protesters.
He contrasted this history with his administration’s current spending, specifically the Rs 11.32 crore allocated for the reconstruction of 23 rural link roads.
He stated that the funds are direct returns to the taxpayers rather than being siphoned off by political elites.
The rhetoric extended beyond the Akali family to religious institutions. Mann claimed that SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami is essentially a “soldier” for the Badal family, suggesting the religious body has lost its independent footing.
“Mujhe lagta nahi, mujhe pata hai,” Mann said regarding the need for a leadership change, asserting that the fear previously used to control local voters has finally evaporated.
