Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann criticized Congress leaders, particularly the Leader of Opposition, for making irrelevant statements and engaging in theatrics to gain media attention.
During the Vidhan Sabha session, he remarked that some leaders habitually disrupt proceedings and stage walkouts over minor issues. He expressed pride in having the 1975 World Cup Hockey-winning team in the Vidhan Sabha gallery and condemned the opposition for questioning the credibility of environmentalist Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, who has been working for environmental conservation since 1999.
Mann pointed out that those questioning Baba Seechewal’s qualifications fail to acknowledge that their own leader, Rahul Gandhi, holds a Cambridge degree but has done little for the country. He emphasized that leadership and public service are not defined by degrees, citing Baba Seechewal’s exceptional work despite lacking a professional qualification.
He asserted that while Baba Seechewal can clean dirty water bodies, he cannot cleanse the narrow-mindedness of certain political leaders. He also accused the Leader of Opposition of losing his composure in the pursuit of becoming Chief Minister. He highlighted that Baba Seechewal’s work had been recognized by former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
Mann ridiculed Congress for using social media platforms created by individuals without formal degrees while simultaneously questioning Baba Seechewal’s credibility. He mocked Congress leaders for claiming that the Punjab government is run from Delhi, reminding them that their own party affairs are controlled from Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
He further accused Congress of disrespecting Punjabis, citing their animosity toward Sant Seechewal as an example. He lamented that despite Baba Seechewal’s global recognition, Congress leaders continue to make baseless statements against him.
Discussing his government's initiatives, Mann revealed that 117 out of 153 blocks in Punjab had depleted groundwater levels, plunging them into a critical zone. He blamed previous governments for neglecting water conservation, leading to farmers in tail-end villages suffering from water scarcity. However, his administration had revived 15,947 water channels, ensuring water supply to remote areas.
He stated that due to government efforts, groundwater levels had improved, with an official report from the Union government confirming a rise of one meter. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, vowing strict action against corrupt officers.
Mann emphasized that every day of his administration was dedicated to restoring Punjab’s glory and ensuring holistic development based on public feedback. He introduced the ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme’ to address local development needs. Under this scheme, each district would receive ₹5 crore annually, managed by the District Commissioners (DCs) and allocated based on recommendations from MLAs, community organizations, and citizen groups.
The scheme aims to drive development in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply, and sanitation. Mann highlighted that this was the first time such a provision had been made, with a budgetary allocation of ₹585 crore (₹5 crore per constituency).
He also lauded his government’s achievement of providing 52,606 jobs to youth within 36 months, emphasizing that young, skilled professionals are crucial for Punjab’s progress. He said this recruitment drive is aimed at propelling Punjab toward a high-growth trajectory.
Mann reiterated his government’s commitment to providing free electricity, stating that from July onward, 90% of households in Punjab have been receiving free power. He also mentioned that, for the first time, the state government had acquired a private power plant to boost Punjab’s electricity production.
Regarding the demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Mann challenged the opposition to explain why their party never granted the honor while in power. He argued that awarding the Bharat Ratna to legendary martyrs would enhance its prestige. He criticized Congress, pointing out that while two former Prime Ministers from their party had recommended their own names for the honor, they never pushed for Bhagat Singh’s recognition despite over 75 years of independence.
