Bring your own MLAs together if you can: Punjab CM Mann dares Congress' Bajwa

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday criticized Congress leaders, particularly Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, for making baseless claims.

He asserted that instead of fantasizing about gaining support from AAP MLAs, Congress should focus on keeping its own party united.

Speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann dismissed opposition claims that some ruling party MLAs were in contact with Congress and would soon defect. He argued that these politicians are disconnected from both their own party workers and the public, which is why they were voted out.

Mann stated, "These leaders unabatedly issue such irrational statements but have never raised the issue of Punjab before the Union government. The rhetoric that AAP MLAs are in touch with them is Bajwa’s gimmick to hog media limelight."

The Chief Minister further accused Congress of having corrupt and inefficient leadership, which led to their rejection by voters.

He criticized past Congress Chief Ministers for being inaccessible, saying, "People of the state have seen their previous Chief Minister only on a few occasions in the state, as the epicurean monarch was either busy in his personal works or was glued to his chair in the palace."

Mann challenged Congress leaders to focus on uniting their own party, remarking that even their seven MLAs in the Punjab Assembly struggle to work together.

Highlighting the achievements of his government, Mann stated that over 51,000 jobs have been provided purely on merit, along with several other pro-people initiatives. He mentioned the closure of 18 toll plazas, which is saving "Rs 63 lakh from the pocket of the common man in Punjab daily."

Mann emphasized the government’s efforts to promote the use of canal water for irrigation to conserve groundwater. He also outlined planned reforms in the MGNREGA scheme and stressed the government’s focus on sectors such as health, education, power, employment, and infrastructure.

Reiterating his government’s strong stance against drugs, Mann stated that drug smugglers are being strictly punished and law enforcement is acting decisively against them. He asserted, "The war against drugs is being transformed into a mass movement with the proactive support and cooperation of the general public."