Punjab Newsline | Patiala
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a sharp attack on opposition parties while showcasing his government's welfare and development initiatives during the inauguration of a sports stadium in Fateh Majri village near Samana in Patiala district on Friday.
Addressing a large gathering, Mann accused political opponents of trying to mislead the public through "fake videos" and misinformation campaigns. He said the people of Punjab would vote for development rather than propaganda.
"They say they will pull me down when they get the chance, but fake videos cannot fool the people. Punjab is progressing, and people will support development," the Chief Minister said.
Mann claimed that opposition parties were rattled by the success of the AAP government's welfare measures, including free electricity, improved education, better healthcare, and schemes for women. He also said his government had enacted a law against sacrilege, alleging that previous governments had failed to bring such legislation despite being in power.
The Chief Minister also launched a political attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, claiming that accountability would reach those responsible for past wrongdoings.
Sports Infrastructure to Keep Youth Away from Drugs
Inaugurating the sports stadium being developed on nine acres of land provided by the village panchayat, Mann said the facility would be equipped with modern infrastructure and help channel the energy of Punjab's youth towards sports.
He announced that 3,000 sports stadiums across Punjab would be completed by July 15, adding that such facilities would encourage young people to stay away from drugs and other negative influences.
Mann said Punjab's free electricity scheme had become a model discussed across the country, claiming that nearly 90% of households in the state were receiving zero electricity bills. He added that the government had removed previous eligibility restrictions and was providing free electricity without discrimination.
The Chief Minister also highlighted improvements in irrigation, stating that farmers were receiving timely electricity and canal water during the sowing season.
Emphasising healthcare reforms, Mann said the state government had established 1,400 Aam Aadmi Clinics across Punjab, offering free consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests.
He further said eligible residents would receive health cards providing cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh, with the government bearing the hospital expenses.
Announcing financial support for women, Mann said eligible beneficiaries would soon receive a notification on their mobile phones indicating that their quarterly financial assistance had been credited.
He urged women to keep their mobile phones with them to receive payment alerts, adding that the assistance was intended as a mark of respect and support from the government rather than a means of making anyone wealthy.
