Patiala, November 2
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP, calling them deeply corrupt parties that had joined hands to derail Punjab’s development and protect their shared political interests. Describing the forthcoming political battle as ‘One Vs All’, he said that despite having different flags and election symbols, these parties shared the same intention of looting Punjab and exploiting its people. During a public gathering in Ghanaur Halqa of Patiala, the Chief Minister said the traditional parties are uncomfortable because an ordinary family’s son was honestly working for the welfare of every section of society. He asserted that the love and blessings of Punjabis were his greatest strength and warned the opposition that, just as in 2022, the people would send its big leaders back home in 2027 as well.
Taking to X, Mann stated: “Addressed a massive gathering today at village Mandoli in Ghanaur constituency of Patiala on the occasion of inaugurating a new water project. Unlike the opposition, we are not fighting battles for political chairs. Our fight is to ensure clean drinking water, better healthcare and quality education for the people of Punjab. Providing merit-based government jobs to children from ordinary families is one of our biggest achievements. Your love and support give us the strength to build a ‘Rangla Punjab’.”
Addressing the gathering after dedicating canal water supply projects for two districts, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann described the political situation as “One vs All”, asserting that while traditional political parties were united against his government, he stood with the love and blessings of the people of Punjab. “On one side are the BJP, Akali Dal and Congress, while on the other side I stand with the love and blessings of the people of Punjab. These parties ruled Punjab for decades and are now uncomfortable because an ordinary family’s son is working honestly for the welfare of every section of society,” he added.
The Chief Minister pointed out, “They have different flags and election symbols, but their intentions are the same. They cannot tolerate the fact that Punjab’s resources are now being utilised for the welfare of Punjabis rather than a handful of political families.” He said that these political parties were united in their efforts to loot Punjab, whereas he had shared the joys and sorrows of 3.25 crore Punjabis. The traditional parties were targeting him because they had realised that people were no longer willing to accept their politics of deception, corruption and family interests. “During their tenure, the Akali leadership developed interests in almost every business. These leaders forcibly took their share in every business venture, whereas I have chosen to share the happiness, struggles and hardships of ordinary people. They are uncomfortable because our government is working for the common people rather than powerful families,” he said.
Highlighting the affection he receives during his visits to villages, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people’s love and blessings were his greatest strength and reward for serving Punjab. “Whenever I visit villages, my turban gets filled with flowers as people shower their love, blessings and affection on me. I do not have the backing of powerful families or wealthy interests, but I have the blessings of the people. As long as the people of Punjab stand with me, I do not care about the opposition,” he said.
Taking a dig at the Congress, Mann said that the party is struggling with internal differences, with its leaders unable to maintain unity even among themselves. He added that although the Congress, BJP and Akali Dal might engage in political rivalry publicly, they appeared united whenever it came to opposing the present government.
Pointing towards political defections, he said that several leaders who had earlier served in the Congress had joined the BJP. Manpreet Singh Badal, Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Singh Bittu were among those who had changed their political affiliations. He said that such defections had become a common feature of traditional political parties, whose leaders frequently changed political colours according to their convenience.