Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday accused previous governments of failing to safeguard the state’s water interests, asserting that protecting Punjab’s rightful resources remained a priority for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Addressing a public gathering in Sarinh village in Jalandhar, Mann criticised the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of putting political power and personal interests ahead of the public. He also said his government was preparing to transfer the next instalment of the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna on November 1.
“The previous political leaders allowed public resources and economic opportunities to be captured by powerful interests. The people of Punjab want accountable governance, transparent administration and opportunities for ordinary citizens, not a return to the old political order,” Mann said.
Mann takes aim at Akalis over BJP alliance
The chief minister took a dig at SAD leaders, saying those who had once claimed they would rule Punjab for 25 years were now struggling to mobilise public support.
He also questioned the Akali leadership’s changing political positions and its efforts to pursue an alliance with the BJP, after previously accusing the party of being anti-farmer.
Mann said Punjab had seen enough governments that served their own interests and had repeatedly witnessed politics driven by promises, influence and privilege.
Congress accused of focusing on internal divisions
Mann also targeted the Congress over its internal divisions, alleging that the party was more concerned about political manoeuvring and leadership struggles than presenting a credible vision for Punjab.
“On one side is the love of Punjab’s people, who bless me and place their trust in me. On the other are those who have repeatedly put political power and personal interests first. I will continue to stand with the people who have entrusted me with this responsibility, and I will work every day to honour their trust,” he said.
Mann defends welfare schemes, alleges political understanding
Turning to welfare measures, Mann said his government was preparing to transfer the next instalment of the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna on November 1. He accused previous governments of using public money to fill their own treasuries and alleged that the BJP, Congress and SAD were now threatening to discontinue welfare schemes.
“The previous governments had filled their own treasuries with public money, while the BJP, Akalis and Congress were now threatening to discontinue pro-people schemes,” he said.
Mann said it was unfortunate that the three parties were threatening to withdraw welfare initiatives instead of appreciating schemes that provided relief to ordinary families.
“The people of Punjab will never accept attempts to deprive them of the benefits they have begun receiving. The Congress and the BJP are playing a friendly match with the sole motive of dislodging me from office,” he said.
He further argued that the lack of visible criticism between the Congress and the BJP exposed their political understanding and reflected their shared discomfort with the growing empowerment of ordinary people.
“Their problem is not Bhagwant Mann alone,” he added.