Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann announces Dhudike to be developed as a model village with playgrounds, ponds, sewerage, and infrastructure within a year.

MOGA  : Setting a clear break from years of symbolic gestures around Punjab’s icons, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced that Lala Lajpat Rai’s birthplace in Dhudike will be transformed into a full-fledged model village, with time-bound delivery of sewerage, ponds, playgrounds and all basic infrastructure. Speaking at the 71st Lala Lajpat Rai Janam Diwas Khed Mela, the Chief Minister said earlier governments confined themselves to drawing up plans, while his government would ensure visible work on the ground within a year.

Underlining his point, Bhagwant Mann pledged to return on Lala Ji’s next birth anniversary with the projects completed and, in a gesture that underscored his connection with the people, keeping aside all security protocols, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday joined the villagers here during Rural sports fest to enjoy the Kabaddi and Hockey tournament organised in the memory of Punjab Kesri Lala Lajpat Rai.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Mann said, “I am a common man and joining my brothers and elders in watching this rural sports fest, which is our soul, gives me immense satisfaction,” while taking selfies with the youth and seeking blessings from elders.

As he joined the spectators in the stands to watch an exhilarating kabaddi match, the Chief Minister broke the security protocol to personally shake hands with the players reflecting deep connection with the people, a gesture that drew loud cheers from the crowd.

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He said that “the event is part of a vibrant tournament organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Punjab’s iconic freedom fighter, Lala Lajpat Rai,” adding that “the legacy of the great nationalist, who played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle, continues to inspire the youth.”

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering amid traditional folk music and celebrations, the Chief Minister said that “there is an urgent need to revive Punjab’s indigenous sports.” He said that “traditional games like kabaddi, bullock cart racing and others are not just sports but an integral part of our rich culture and heritage.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said that “these games embody the spirit, strength and unity of Punjabis and have been passed down through generations.”

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to promoting sports, CM Bhagwant Mann said that “the state government will leave no stone unturned to restore Punjab’s pristine glory in the sports arena.” He categorically said that “the state government will ensure that these traditional games flourish once again, providing platforms for our rural youth to shine.” Making an appeal to the people, Bhagwant Mann invited them to participate in the prestigious Mini Olympics at Kila Raipur, saying that “the event will commence on January 31.”

The Chief Minister said that “the revival of bullock cart races after a 16-year hiatus will be a key attraction,” adding that “this is our golden chance to relive our traditions and celebrate Punjab’s sporting legacy together.” Striking an emotional chord, he announced that “all demands raised by the Panchayat of village Dhudike are being fulfilled immediately,” including “laying of a new sewerage line, rejuvenation of the village pond, development of a modern playground and other essential infrastructure projects to enhance living standards.”

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Later, while interacting with media persons, the Chief Minister said that “‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’ is being implemented across Punjab as the state’s largest health reform programme.” He said that “every family will now receive up to ₹10 lakh in cashless treatment,” adding that “earlier a family could avail treatment up to ₹5 lakh, which has now been increased to ₹10 lakh.” Bhagwant Mann said that “around 65 lakh families will be benefitted from this ambitious scheme aimed at the welfare of every section of society.”

The Chief Minister said that “it is unfortunate that even after more than 70 years of Independence, Punjab has been deprived of its capital and the High Court.” However, he said that “the state government will make strenuous efforts to get back Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab,” and added that “the government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause of Punjab and Punjabis.”

Expressing deep shock and anguish over the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane mishap, the Chief Minister said that “I share my heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family.” He said that “I pray to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of crisis and to grant peace to the departed soul.”

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, MLAs Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Devinder Singh Laddi Dhos, Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, Amandeep Kaur and others.