Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
Punjab CM emphasizes development, dignity, and public welfare over politics and intimidation
Majitha, Punjab: Punjab Chief Minister CM Bhagwant Singh Mann strongly criticized the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, saying he has become a “soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal” instead of serving Sri Guru Sahiban, a stance that he described as “deeply painful for the Panth.” Speaking at a public function in Majitha on Sunday, while laying the foundation stone for 23 rural link roads worth ₹11.32 crore, the CM assured people that no attempt to push Punjab back into beadbi (sacrilege) and goondagardi would succeed.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Majitha had previously been ruled by fear under Akali and Congress regimes, where false cases and intimidation were used against ordinary citizens. “Earlier, this area lived under constant fear. With deep political connections, some unleashed a reign of terror, but now, the will of the people is prevailing,” he said. He recalled historical betrayals, including the local hosting of General Dyer during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, asserting that Punjab would never forgive those who harmed the innocent.
CM Mann warned that bringing the Akali Dal back to power would drag the state into a dark era, marked by sacrilege, firing on protestors, and atrocities against common people. He noted that misdeeds by previous SGPC leadership had compelled the government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to trace the 328 missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, clarifying that the government had no intention to interfere in religious institutions.
Criticizing SGPC President Dhami, CM Mann said, “Instead of calling himself a soldier of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he proudly calls himself a soldier of Sukhbir Singh Badal. What good can be expected from someone serving those who ruined Punjab?” He also underscored the supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, explaining his choice to appear before the Takht rather than attend the President of India’s function, contrasting his government’s respect for religious authority with past political interference.
In a major political announcement, CM Mann declared that AAP leader Talbir Singh Gill will be the party’s candidate from Majitha in the 2027 Assembly elections, emphasizing development, accountability, and citizen participation over intimidation and entitlement. “The people of Majitha will now choose representatives who prioritize decision-making and progress,” he said.
Highlighting the pro-people initiatives of his government, CM Mann recalled that since assuming office in March 2022, 90% of households now receive free electricity, farmers enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and Punjab has become power surplus. He also noted welfare measures for border residents, including the in-principle approval to shift the border fence closer to the International Border, easing cultivation for farmers.
On infrastructure, the CM said ₹11.32 crore would be spent on renovating and maintaining link roads in Majitha villages over the next five years. Punjab’s 43,000 km of link roads are being upgraded under a state-wide programme with AI surveys and a CM Flying Squad, saving ₹226.89 crore previously siphoned by past regimes.
He concluded by stressing that governance in Punjab is now firmly centered on public welfare, citing initiatives like Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence, and free electricity, ensuring development, dignity, and respect remain priorities.
The function was attended by PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, MLA Sarwan Singh Dhunn, Talbir Singh Gill, and other senior AAP leaders.