Punjab is actively working towards fulfilling the dreams of the nation’s great freedom fighters and martyrs, said Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday.
Speaking at an event held at the Indoor Stadium in Ludhiana, Mann, accompanied by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, emphasized that the government’s policies are centered around the welfare of the common people. He highlighted that sectors like education, healthcare, and electricity have become key priorities due to AAP’s efforts.
Mann also pointed out that previous governments never gave such importance to these core areas, adding that even leaders who once projected themselves as invincible are now wary of AAP’s growing influence.
Reflecting on AAP’s electoral success, Mann noted that the people of Punjab had given a resounding mandate by electing 92 MLAs during the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections. He remarked that those who disrespected Sri Guru Granth Sahib and misled the state are now facing consequences. "Those who claimed they would rule for 25 years don’t even have 25 leaders with them now, as people have held them accountable for their misdeeds," he said.
Mann stated that the government is actively working to clean up the problems left behind by previous administrations. He asserted that the drug mafia had flourished under earlier regimes but his government has launched a determined campaign against drugs. "Meticulous planning has been done to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state, and now the war against drugs has begun," he said.
He further stated that in addition to dismantling drug supply networks, major figures involved in drug trafficking have been arrested. "Apart from this, due focus is being laid on the rehabilitation of drug victims," he added. Mann also pointed out that properties belonging to drug peddlers are now being seized and destroyed. "This noble cause cannot be accomplished without active public support," he emphasized.
Citing the recent case in Narangwal village, where illegal properties linked to drug smugglers were demolished, Mann reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs. "A decisive war has been launched to wipe out this menace, and we are transforming it into a mass movement to make Punjab completely drug-free," he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s strict action against corruption in the state. He addressed the recent transfers of officials who had gone on mass leave in support of dishonest colleagues, stating that such pressure tactics would not be tolerated. "The harassment of common people is unacceptable and will not be allowed at any cost," he warned.
Mann asserted that traditional political parties are envious of his leadership because he comes from a humble background and is committed to serving the people. "These leaders always thought they had a divine right to rule Punjab, and now they can’t accept that a common man is running the state efficiently," he said. He added that the people of Punjab are no longer influenced by misleading political propaganda.
Praising Punjabis for their excellence in various fields, Mann pointed out that the captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team hails from Punjab and that a significant number of players in the Indian hockey team belong to the state. "The government is providing all necessary infrastructure to support athletes and prepare them for national and international competitions," he said.
Earlier at the event, Mann, Kejriwal, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora welcomed dignitaries and honored business leaders present at the function.
