PUNJAB NEWS : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday challenged Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to stop glorifying the so-called achievements of the previous Akali government and instead answer for the Bargari firing incident and the countless youth who lost their lives to drugs during their regime.
Speaking at a public function in Chamkaur Sahib, after announcing several developmental projects, Mann said Sukhbir brags about development during Akali rule but stays silent on atrocities like Bargari, where innocent people were shot, and on the drug epidemic that devastated Punjab’s youth. Taking a dig at the Badals, he said they only focused on expanding their personal business empire while ignoring the welfare of the state. He described the period from 2007 to 2017 as the darkest decade for Punjab, when transport, cable, sand, drug, and other mafias dominated under Akali patronage.
PUNJAB NEWS : The Chief Minister asserted that the drug menace thrived during the Akali era with political protection, even being distributed through official government vehicles. He warned that his government would not spare the “Jarnails” who orchestrated this destruction of Punjab’s youth. Mann said these leaders, who amassed illegal wealth through drugs, are now shamelessly seeking comforts in jail, but they will face the harshest punishment for their crimes.
Criticising leaders of traditional parties for supporting an ex-Akali minister jailed in a drug case, Mann expressed shock that Congress leaders like Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, and Ravneet Singh Bittu are openly backing him. He said this clearly shows collusion among traditional parties, who shielded each other’s corruption while in power. Mann dared them to declare openly whether they stand with drug traffickers or with the people of Punjab.
He further said that the people of Punjab had thrown out these corrupt leaders — including former Chief Ministers Parkash Singh Badal and Charanjit Singh Channi, Akali leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Majithia — for looting the state. Now, he said, they are merely fighting among themselves for power.
Highlighting his government’s achievements, Mann said that more than 55,000 government jobs have been filled transparently on merit, with not a single recruitment challenged in court. He said this has restored the youth’s confidence in Punjab, motivating them to stay back and prepare for jobs here instead of moving abroad.
Mann also stated that 90% of households in Punjab are receiving zero electricity bills, farmers are getting uninterrupted power for paddy, and every section of society is being looked after. He lauded the success of the newly formed Sadak Surakhya Force, which has reduced road accident deaths by 48%, earning appreciation even from the Centre and other states.
On education, the Chief Minister said government schools are being transformed into Schools of Eminence and Punjab has topped the National Achievement Survey. He said the state’s students are excelling in NEET and JEE exams, proving that education — not freebies — is the real tool to fight poverty and uplift society.
At Chamkaur Sahib, Mann also announced the upgradation of the local hospital, doubling its capacity, increasing specialist doctors, and expanding operation theatres. He also flagged off a STEM mobile bus to promote hands-on learning in science and mathematics for school students.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.