Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday lashed out at the Akali Dal, BJP and Congress, alleging that the traditional parties had "looted" Punjab and "betrayed" its people.
He, however, expressed confidence that the AAP government's record on development, employment generation and clean governance would earn it another mandate.
Addressing a gathering during a 'Lok Milni' in Moran village of Sangrur's Dirba constituency after inaugurating a sports ground, Mann said his government was transforming Punjab through improved roads, schools, sewerage infrastructure, sports facilities and employment opportunities, instead of indulging in the politics of exploitation practised by previous governments.
Announcing Rs 51 lakh for development works in the village, the chief minister also took aim at the Akali Dal's "eagerness" to forge an alliance with the BJP. Recalling the deaths of 750 farmers during the farmers' protest at Delhi's borders, he warned that any such political reunion would face the verdict of the people of Punjab.
He asserted that the people's trust and support remained his government's greatest strength and reiterated his commitment to restoring Punjab's glory as "Rangla Punjab" (vibrant Punjab).
Mann highlights development works and clean governance
Addressing the gathering, Mann said, "Development is now visible in every village, from roads and schools to sewerage facilities and sports infrastructure."
"Unlike the traditional parties that indulged in loot and plunder, our government's objective is clean governance and the progress of Punjab. Our honest intentions are reflected in the work being carried out across the state," he said.
"Roads are being constructed, schools are being transformed, sewerage facilities are being strengthened, and essential infrastructure is reaching villages," he said.
"We are not merely making announcements; we are delivering on our commitments. The people's money belongs to the people, and every penny of the state exchequer is being judiciously utilised for their welfare," he said.
CM cites jobs, sports infrastructure and healthcare initiatives
Highlighting his government's employment achievements, Mann said, "We have provided more than 70,000 government jobs to eligible youth without corruption and generated over six lakh additional employment opportunities by bringing investment into Punjab."
"Our aim is to ensure that the sons and daughters of ordinary families get quality education, secure good jobs and rise to become senior officers. The youth should not be forced to leave their homeland in search of opportunities," he said.
Speaking about the expansion of sporting infrastructure, Mann said Punjab was witnessing a new sporting revolution, with modern playgrounds being developed in villages and international sporting events being hosted in the state.
"On one hand, we are constructing 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab to channelise the energy of our youth towards sports and keep them away from drugs; on the other, Ludhiana is hosting the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Championship.
"This reflects our vision of making Punjab a leading sporting destination and providing our players with world-class opportunities. We want our youth to excel in sports and bring laurels to the state," he said.
Mann attacks Opposition parties over their record in Punjab
Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, the chief minister said these traditional parties had governed Punjab for decades but failed to safeguard its interests.
"The BJP, Congress and Akali Dal cannot be trusted because they have only exploited Punjab for their political interests. They had decades to address the problems of the people, but their governments were more concerned about power and vested interests.
"The people of Punjab have not forgotten their record and will hold them accountable for what they have done to the state," he said.
Mann said his government was ensuring that the benefits of governance reached every household, particularly through free electricity, improved infrastructure and public services.
Highlighting the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna', the chief minister said the state government had taken a historic step towards providing comprehensive healthcare coverage to every resident family.
"Under the scheme, every resident family in Punjab is entitled to cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that no family is forced to compromise on medical treatment because of financial constraints," he said.
Mann further said his government had transformed sports into a powerful weapon in its decisive battle against drugs, with playgrounds emerging as centres of hope, discipline and positive energy for the younger generation.
Dedicating the newly constructed sports ground to the people, he said the government was committed to building a healthy, confident and drug-free Punjab by providing youngsters with world-class sporting facilities at the grassroots level.
"The fight against drugs cannot be won through enforcement alone and requires a sustained social movement in which sports play a pivotal role," Mann said.