Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann cast his vote and said Panchayat elections will accelerate rural development while dismissing opposition allegations.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann cast his vote in his native village on Sunday and expressed optimism that the newly elected Zila Parishads and Block Samitis will provide additional momentum to the development of the state.

After casting his vote, the Chief Minister engaged with the media representatives and stated that these elections are advantageous for the comprehensive development of rural regions. He stated that these serve as the fundamental pillars of democracy, as they enable individuals to participate at the grassroots level. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann stated that these elections serve as a launchpad for young politicians who aspire to serve the populace.

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The Chief Minister called upon the citizens to participate actively in the electoral process by casting their votes in large numbers, thereby contributing as proactive partners in the development and advancement of the state. He stated that this right was secured through considerable efforts by our ancestors and should be exercised with caution in the broader public domain. Bhagwant Singh Mann encouraged the public to exercise their vote in selecting the appropriate candidates who can effectively represent their interests in the public domain.

Rejecting unequivocally the opposition’s allegations of misuse of official machinery, the Chief Minister stated that the administration warrants commendation for conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. He stated that the opposition, particularly Akali Dal Badal, has consistently supported gangsters and has attempted to utilize them in these elections as well. Bhagwant Mann stated that in such circumstances, the administration cannot remain inactive and allow these criminals to demonstrate their power and undermine the electoral process.

The Chief Minister stated that over 2,400 opposition candidates are participating in the elections, which plainly indicates that the official machinery has not been exploited. He stated that the elections are being conducted by the commission in a free and fair fashion, adding that the opposition, perplexed by their defeats, is resorting to such petty tactics. Bhagwant Mann remarked that former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi alleges he is receiving threats from criminals, asserting that such threats are solely issued by the Akali Dal, as they have awarded tickets to gangsters and their relatives who are now intimidating the public.

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The Chief Minister further stated that Lok Sabha MP Channi should not be regarded as credible, as he is making imprudent statements merely in anticipation of his party’s inevitable defeat. Quoting Gurbani, the Chief Minister stated, “Pavan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat,” emphasizing that our esteemed Gurus equated air (pavan) with the teacher, water (paani) with the father, and land (dharat) with the mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that the time has arrived to earnestly embrace the substance of Gurbani in order to restore Punjab’s ecological and spiritual grandeur.