Mann targets Akali leadership over past misrule
Chamkaur Sahib– Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of boasting about “fake achievements” while ignoring the Bargari firing incident and the rise of the drug menace during the Akali regime.
Speaking at a public event after inaugurating multiple development projects in Chamkaur Sahib, the Chief Minister questioned who would take responsibility for “thousands of youth who lost their lives to drugs” and the “barbaric incidents” under the previous government.
Mann alleged that from 2007 to 2017, Punjab faced its darkest period, when mafias controlling transport, cable, sand, and drugs flourished under political patronage. He said that instead of working for the people, the Akali leadership “expanded their personal businesses while Punjab suffered.”
‘No leniency for drug mafia’
Reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, Mann said that those responsible for spreading narcotics across the state would face strictest punishment.
“These leaders not only patronized the drug trade but even supplied narcotics in official government vehicles,” Mann alleged. He added that those demanding special facilities in jail “do not deserve comfort” as they must pay for their misdeeds.
Mann criticized leaders of Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal who have extended support to an ex-Akali minister jailed on drug charges. He named Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Captain Amarinder Singh, and Ravneet Singh Bittu, accusing them of political collusion.
“People deserve to know whether these leaders stand with the traffickers or against them,” Mann declared.
Traditional parties a ‘divided house’
According to Mann, traditional political parties had plundered Punjab for years, leaving behind mistrust and broken systems. He said that the people of Punjab rejected senior leaders like Parkash Singh Badal, Channi, and Bikram Majithia because of corruption and inefficiency.
Now, Mann said, these parties are “squabbling for power” while Punjab moves forward with a transparent governance model.
Development push in Chamkaur Sahib
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated Sub-Divisional Hospital at Chamkaur Sahib, increasing its bed capacity from 30 to 50 and boosting the number of specialist doctors from five to ten. He also announced the addition of a new operation theatre and expansion of medical staff.
Mann flagged off a STEM mobile bus that will visit schools to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning through interactive experiments. He also distributed sports kits to young players in the region, highlighting the state’s focus on education and youth development.
Jobs, power supply, and education reforms
Highlighting his government’s achievements, Mann said over 55,000 government jobs have been provided on merit without any legal challenges. This, he noted, has restored young people’s faith in staying in Punjab rather than moving abroad.
He added that 90% of households are now receiving zero electricity bills, providing major relief to families. Farmers, he said, are benefiting from uninterrupted power during the paddy season.
On road safety, Mann credited the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) with reducing accident deaths by 48% since its formation. He said the model has been appreciated by other states and the Union government.
In education, Mann said Punjab’s government schools are being upgraded into Schools of Eminence, with students excelling in national exams. He cited the National Achievement Survey where Punjab ranked first in the country, surpassing Kerala.
‘Education is the real solution’
Mann emphasized that lasting change cannot come from subsidies or freebies alone. “Education is the key that can raise living standards and eliminate poverty,” he said, stressing his government’s focus on school reforms.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and senior officials also participated in the program.