Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday squarely blamed the Badals for politically, economically, and religiously damaging the state, daring Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to name even one achievement from their prolonged rule.
Addressing a gathering at Municipal Bhawan,CM Bhagwant accused the Badals of prioritizing personal business expansion over the welfare of Punjab and its people. He described the 2007–2017 period as the state’s “darkest decade,” marked by the dominance of transport, cable, sand, drug, and other mafias. Mann challenged Sukhbir Badal to cite any notable accomplishment from that era, adding that the drug crisis had flourished under Akali patronage.
CM Bhagwant Mann said his government is working with full dedication to serve the people, while holding accountable those who committed crimes against the state—pointing to the drug trade kingpin now lodged in Nabha Jail. He criticized traditional parties, including Congress and BJP leaders, for supporting the jailed former Akali minister, calling it proof of their political collusion and mutual protection of wrongdoing when in power.
He further alleged that the Badals even exploited religion for personal gain, remarking that Sukhbir lacks knowledge of Punjab’s culture, geography, and language, yet remains desperate for power. According to CM Bhagwant Mann, the once-sacrificial legacy of the Akali Dal has been reduced to a party associated with drug smugglers, while the Congress is fractured with leaders vying for the Chief Minister’s chair.
CM Bhagwant Mann asserted that he may lack experience in looting public wealth but excels in addressing people’s problems. He vowed to continue working for Punjab’s development despite political attacks, saying previous leaders only served family and vested interests. He noted that the traditional parties resent him because he comes from a common background, shattering their belief in a “divine right” to rule.
Earlier, the CM inaugurated the upgraded Jathedar Kartar Singh Darvesh Senior Secondary School in Sangrur as a School of Eminence, worth ₹3.40 crore, with modern facilities for students and teachers. He also dedicated the ₹7.81 crore Government Nursing Training School, Sangrur, offering a GNM course with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
In addition, CM Bhagwant Mann flagged off 12 mobile cancer screening buses under the World Cancer Care initiative, which will provide free diagnostic tests and awareness across Punjab. He termed the launch a historic step in the state’s fight against cancer, particularly in the Malwa region.