Tanda (Hoshiarpur): 15 April (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp political attack on opposition parties, accusing the Akali leadership of deliberately keeping weaker sections deprived of education and development, while also criticizing the Congress for internal divisions.

Addressing a public gathering, Mann alleged that instead of empowering underprivileged communities through quality education, the Akali leadership confined them to welfare schemes such as the Atta-Dal program. He said this approach hindered the progress of poor families and kept them dependent rather than enabling them to become self-reliant.

The Chief Minister also made strong remarks against the Badal family, claiming that their past actions reflected an anti-national mindset. Referring to historical events, he alleged controversial associations with British authorities during India’s freedom struggle and after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Mann said such incidents continue to shape public perception and cannot be erased from history.

Turning his focus to the Congress party, Mann described it as deeply divided and lacking direction. He claimed that several leaders within the party are competing for leadership roles, leading to internal conflict. “The Congress is a divided house that may collapse under its own contradictions,” he said. He further alleged that even senior Congress leaders are unable to manage infighting within the party and remain disconnected from ground realities in Punjab.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH