CM Bhagwant Singh Mann: Want to See Punjab as Frontrunner in Every Arena

Baba Bakala: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday lashed out at the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for not addressing Punjab-specific issues in Parliament despite seeking votes in the name of Panth. He was presiding over a state-level function to mark the Rakhar Puniya Festival.

Mann pointed out that the SAD, claiming to be panthic and pro-Punjab, had never raised issues related to Punjab in Parliament. He cited an instance from December 26, 2018, when he, as a Lok Sabha member from Sangrur, had appealed to the then Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to pay homage to the younger sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on their martyrdom day.

The Chief Minister criticized the BJP, advising the party to introspect its own governance in states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where curfews were imposed during religious festivals, highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation.

Mann also took a dig at opposition leaders like Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa and BJP state Chief Sunil Jakhar, saying they had gone to political oblivion after their massive defeat in the Jalandhar West by-election.

The Chief Minister promised further improvements in education and health sectors, aiming to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure in government schools and hospitals. He highlighted the government's achievements, including the establishment of 842 Aam Aadmi Clinics, providing free electricity to 90% of households, and creating jobs for 44,700 youths.

Mann also emphasized the government's commitment to women's empowerment, mentioning the appointment of women officers as senior superintendents of police (SSPs) in six districts and women deputy commissioners in eight districts. He announced that girls will be recruited as firefighters for the first time, making Punjab the first state to take this step.