TANDA (HOSHIARPUR); 17th June 2026:
Declaring that Punjab’s future can no longer be held hostage to the mistakes and misdeeds of the past regimes, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said the state has suffered immensely over the decades but is now moving steadily towards a new era of growth, opportunity and prosperity. During a Lok Milni at Bhattlan village in the Tanda constituency, the Chief Minister said Punjab, despite being blessed with fertile land, abundant water resources, a favourable climate and a hardworking people, was denied its full potential by successive governments that failed to put the interests of the state first.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is committed to creating opportunities for the youth, strengthening education and healthcare, and building a Rangla Punjab where no young person feels compelled to leave for foreign shores in search of a better future.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to justice, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured people that past Beadbi (sacrilege) cases would be thoroughly investigated and those responsible would be sent to jail, while adding that the stringent law enacted by the state government would act as a strong deterrent against any future incidents.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The incidents of Beadbi at Bargari and the firing incidents at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura bruised the conscience of every Punjabi, especially the Sikh Sangat. These wounds are still fresh in the minds of the people. I want to assure every Punjabi that justice will prevail and those responsible for these heinous crimes will not be spared.”
The Chief Minister said, “Our government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice. The perpetrators of these crimes will be brought to justice and sent behind bars. We have enacted the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026, which provides stringent punishment for Beadbi. This law will ensure that no one dares to commit such an unpardonable offence in future.”
“Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh. It is our collective duty to uphold its sanctity and respect. If a government cannot safeguard the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, then it fails in its most fundamental responsibility towards society,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Taking on the Akali leadership, the Chief Minister said, “Those who sought votes in the name of Gurbani failed to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They used religion for political gains and the people of Punjab have not forgotten the pain caused by the incidents that occurred during their rule.”
He pointed out, “Some leaders talk about development during their tenure, but they conveniently forget Bargari, Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura. Punjab can never forget those painful chapters. The sins committed against the people and against Punjab’s social fabric can never be erased.”
Speaking about Punjab’s journey, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab has suffered enough. It was devastated during Partition in 1947, suffered again in 1984 and then endured years of loot and exploitation under successive governments. We cannot allow Punjab’s progress to be halted anymore.”
“The Almighty has blessed Punjab with fertile land, abundant water, favourable weather and hardworking people. There is no shortage of resources in Punjab. The only thing Punjab lacked for years was leadership that put the interests of the state above personal and political interests,” he added.
Making an emotional appeal to the youth, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “No young person should feel compelled to dream only of Canada, America or other foreign countries. We are creating opportunities here in Punjab. Together, we will build a Rangla Punjab where our youth can realise their aspirations while staying close to their families and roots.”
The Chief Minister said, “For years, families were pushed into difficult circumstances. Parents were left behind while their children moved abroad in search of opportunities. We are changing that reality by strengthening education, healthcare, employment generation and infrastructure.”
Referring to the massive gathering, the Chief Minister said, “The sight of mothers, sisters, elders and youth gathering here in such large numbers reflects the strong bond between the people and this government. This is not merely a political programme; it is a meeting with my family.”
“The entire Punjab is my family. It is my responsibility to ensure jobs for the youth, quality education for children and quality healthcare for every household. The affection and trust shown by the people inspire me to work even harder,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Announcing major relief for women employees, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government has decided that Group C and Group D women employees will be posted within a 40-kilometre radius of their homes. I have directed officers to prepare the framework for implementing this initiative at the earliest. Thousands of women employees, including staff nurses, teachers and women police personnel, will benefit from this decision. We are committed to making governance more sensitive and responsive to the needs of women.”
Highlighting another pioneering initiative, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab has launched the country’s first ambitious project to shift high-tension electricity wires underground. This project will free villages from dangerous overhead wires and unnecessary poles. Overhead wires pose risks to people, livestock and agricultural machinery. Crop fires, storms and accidents frequently damage the power infrastructure. This project will provide long-term relief to people and improve safety across villages.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Today, more than 90% households in Punjab are receiving free electricity. Farmers are receiving power during the daytime, which was once considered impossible. This has helped farmers save thousands of rupees that were earlier spent on diesel for generators.”
He further said, “The AAP Government has laid more than 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses and released 21,000 cusecs of water to strengthen irrigation across the state. Recharge points have also been created to improve groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water management.”
Highlighting welfare initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Under the Mavaan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, women above 18 years of age from all other categories will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women from the Scheduled Caste category will receive ₹1,500 per month. This assistance is a mark of respect for our mothers and daughters.”
The Chief Minister said, “The smiles on the faces of women benefiting from this scheme give me immense satisfaction. The government stands firmly with every family and every woman of Punjab.”
Speaking about healthcare, the Chief Minister said, “The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna is a revolutionary step towards universal healthcare. Every resident family in Punjab is entitled to cashless treatment worth up to ₹10 lakh annually.”
“It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab has become the first state in the country to provide such comprehensive healthcare coverage. So far, people have availed treatment worth more than ₹650 crore under the scheme. This initiative has significantly reduced the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality healthcare,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, MLAs Jasbir Singh Raja Gill and Karambir Singh Ghuman, along with several other dignitaries, were also present.
Sharing a few snippets from this Lok Milni, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “I am deeply grateful for the immense love and blessings showered upon me by the people, especially the mothers and sisters, who attended the Lok Milni at Bhattlan village in Hoshiarpur today. Your support reflects your unwavering faith in our policies and governance. Grant cheques for development works were handed over to Bhattlan village and several other panchayats in the area. Along with this, a major decision has been taken to post police constables, clerks and ASHA workers within a radius of just 40 kilometres from their homes. The AAP government will continue working day and night for Punjab’s bright and prosperous future.”
