Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Jul 15: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday asserted that the state's progress across all sectors would continue with the support of its people, claiming that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has honoured every promise made to the electorate.
Addressing a public gathering in Mukerian, Mann said his government's priority was not merely to remain in power but to ensure the welfare, development and prosperity of the people of Punjab.
The Chief Minister said the AAP government has focused on fulfilling its commitments and introducing people-centric initiatives, while accusing the Congress of being preoccupied with internal power struggles. He alleged that Congress leaders had indicated they would discontinue the welfare schemes launched by the present government if they came to power.
Mann also reiterated his government's commitment to taking strict action against those responsible for incidents of beadbi (sacrilege) involving the Guru Granth Sahib, stating that the guilty would face the full force of the law.
Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, the Chief Minister claimed that its leaders were more interested in becoming Chief Minister than serving the public. Referring to the party's proposed statewide bus yatra, he remarked that although its leaders might begin the journey together, their internal rivalries would prevent them from remaining united.
He urged the people to give the AAP a decisive mandate in the next elections, saying a strong public verdict would prevent what he described as opportunistic political forces from returning to power.
According to Mann, handing over power to the Congress would put ongoing welfare programmes at risk, alleging that party leaders had repeatedly stated they would discontinue several schemes introduced by the AAP government.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing it of trying to regain power by making misleading promises. He said that despite being elected to power multiple times, the Akali leadership had failed to deliver meaningful development for Punjab.
Taking a swipe at Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mann alleged that the party had lost its connect with the public and was relying on hired supporters to create the appearance of large crowds at its political rallies.
He further claimed that the people of Punjab had rejected the Akali leadership despite its earlier assertions that it would remain in power for decades. Mann also accused the party of frequently changing its political positions to suit its own interests.