Hoshiarpur, January 26
Unfurling the national Tricolour in Hoshiarpur on Republic Day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann coupled the ceremonial occasion with a firm assertion of Punjab’s constitutional rights and a detailed account of his government’s governance record. Recalling Punjab’s unmatched sacrifices in India’s freedom struggle and its continuing role as the country’s Food Bowl and Sword Arm, the Chief Minister said the state has been unjustly denied its rightful capital and a separate High Court since Independence and made it clear that attempts to undermine Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh, Panjab University and its water rights would not succeed. He underlined that Punjab would continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies every day to protect its interests.
Linking governance with heritage and faith, Mann recalled the historic commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur, the declaration of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, and announced that the 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas would be celebrated on similar lines through state-level programmes from February 1 this year to February 20, 2027.
Addressing the gathering, Mann stated, “Despite the tremendous contribution towards the country and its people, Punjab does not have its own capital. Since Independence, Punjab has been unlawfully deprived of it. To worsen the situation, conspiracies are hatched daily to deprive the state of its capital, Panjab University, waters and other rights. This will never be allowed. Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of Punjab and the state government will make all-out efforts to take back its capital.”
Expressing anguish over the absence of a separate High Court, the Punjab Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that Punjab does not have its own High Court whereas small states in the North East have their own capitals. “In the absence of its own High Court, Punjabis have to suffer a lot due to the huge pendency of cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court,” he said.
Extending heartfelt greetings to all Punjabis and citizens across the country, Mann paid homage to thousands of patriotic freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during India’s freedom struggle. Saluting the brave soldiers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Chief Minister recalled their stellar role in safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country. “On this day in 1950, the Constitution of the country came into force. This is a very special day for all Indians. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that we are proud citizens of the world’s largest democracy,” he said.
Stating that Punjab is being meted out step-motherly treatment, Mann said conspiracies are being hatched to snatch its rights. “An attempt was made to curtail Punjab’s legal rights over BBMB and waters, but the state government did not allow it to succeed,” he said.
The Chief Minister said 6,900 kilometres long 18,349 watercourses have been revived, ₹2,300 crore is being spent on the Malwa canal, the first canal constructed after Independence.
