Mukerian (Hoshiarpur), 15 July (H.S.) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said the state’s journey towards becoming the number one state in every sector would continue with the support and trust of its people. Addressing a massive public gathering in Mukerian Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has fulfilled every major promise made to the people through reforms in education, healthcare, electricity and social welfare.

Mann said his politics is centred on the progress and prosperity of Punjab rather than the pursuit of power. He claimed that while his government is focused on delivering welfare schemes and strengthening public services, opposition parties remain occupied with internal power struggles. Referring to the Congress, he alleged that its leaders are more interested in competing for the Chief Minister’s post than serving the people. Taking a swipe at the party’s proposed bus yatra, Mann remarked that although its leaders might begin the journey together, they would not return united because of their internal differences.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people to give AAP an overwhelming mandate in the next elections so that opposition parties do not get an opportunity to discontinue welfare programmes. He alleged that Congress leaders have publicly stated they would scrap several schemes launched by the present government if they come to power.

Launching a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann accused its leadership of repeatedly misleading the people through false promises and political opportunism. He claimed that despite ruling Punjab for several years, the Akali leadership failed to improve the state’s condition and instead encouraged corruption, mafia activities and the drug menace. He also alleged that the party had lost its grassroots support and was relying on hired crowds for political rallies.

The Chief Minister further stated that those responsible for incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib would not be spared and would face strict legal action. He reiterated his government's commitment to ensuring justice in such sensitive cases.

Highlighting the Mawan Dhiyan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, Mann said women above the age of 18 years are receiving financial assistance under the scheme, with eligible women receiving ₹1,000 per month and Scheduled Caste women receiving ₹1,500 per month. He said over 32 lakh women have already started receiving benefits and assured that payments would continue regularly. Women who could not register in July, he added, would receive three months’ payment together in August.

Mann maintained that the Punjab Government has adequate financial resources to continue all welfare initiatives and assured that these schemes would remain operational as long as the AAP government remains in office. Calling the gathering an interaction with the people rather than a political event, he said previous governments neglected public welfare, whereas the present government has transformed schools, hospitals and other public services through people-centric governance.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH