Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reaffirmed that his government is treading the path shown by the great martyrs to drive the state’s development and safeguard the welfare of its people, especially those from economically weaker and underprivileged backgrounds.
Speaking at an event marking the death anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadogal, the CM Bhagwant said Punjab is a sacred land enriched by the legacy of Gurus, saints, seers, martyrs, and poets. He lauded the resilience and hard work of Punjabis, noting that while the state’s fertile soil can grow any seed, hatred will never take root here. He stressed that Punjab’s history is built on love, tolerance, and the courage to resist oppression, and his government is striving to fulfil the martyrs’ dream of freedom reaching every household.
CM Bhagwant Mann lamented that even after 75 years of independence, the true benefits of freedom have yet to reach all citizens, blaming past governments for spreading the scourge of drugs, corruption, and exploitation. He said these leaders misused power to amass wealth, build lavish palaces, and distance themselves from the public, causing disillusionment among the youth and prompting them to seek work abroad—even in countries once ousted by India’s freedom fighters.
He criticised previous regimes for stalling Punjab’s growth and undermining future generations, focusing on family gains rather than public welfare. CM Bhagwant Mann announced that to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab government will host grand commemorative events and develop key heritage sites linked to the Guru.
Reiterating his stance against the “Jarnails” who orchestrated the drug menace, CM Bhagwant Mann said several such leaders are already behind bars for running the trade, even using official vehicles for supply. He stressed that no one had dared to arrest them before, but his government has done so and will hold them accountable.
Highlighting progress in water management,CM Bhagwant Mann noted that irrigation through canal water has risen from 21% to 63% of agricultural land under his tenure, with water now reaching tail-end villages for the first time in history. He pledged continued efforts to preserve Punjab’s water resources.
Paying tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadogal, CM Bhagwant Mann honoured his sacrifices in the fight against tyranny, injustice, and princely state oppression. He recalled Dhadogal’s leadership in the Parja Mandal movement, his imprisonment during the Akali and Gurdwara Reform movements, and his close association with Sewa Singh Thikriwal.
To mark the occasion, CM Bhagwant Mann laid the foundation stones for two road projects worth ₹17.21 crore. One will connect Dhuri-Amargarh Road to Dhuri-Chheenta Wala Road via several villages, and the other will link Amargarh to Dhuri-Bagrian Road through multiple settlements. Both 18-foot-wide roads will be built by the Punjab Mandi Board and the PWD, with contractors responsible for five years of maintenance.