Marking a shift from previous governments, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann held an open interaction with villagers under the natural canopy of trees. Dispensing with formal government setups, the CM invited local people to share their suggestions for shaping a “Rangla Punjab” and informed them of his government’s major initiatives. The atmosphere was informal, honest, and deeply connected — replacing official decorum with genuine dialogue. Villagers openly shared their opinions while Mann discussed various political, social, and developmental issues, creating a bond of mutual trust.
Canal Water Reach Expands Significantly
CM Bhagwant highlighted a dramatic improvement in irrigation: where only 21% of canal water was being used when he took office, that figure has now risen to 63%. He said these gains were due to targeted efforts that ensured water from rivers and canals now reaches even remote tail-end villages, while also preventing Punjab’s waters from being diverted to other states.
Revised Paddy Sowing Schedule to Help Farmers
To prevent moisture-related problems during paddy procurement in October, the state government preponed the paddy sowing season to June 1. CM Bhagwant explained that the state was divided into zones, each with its own sowing schedule, to streamline the process. He has also urged the Centre to start procurement 15 days earlier, from September 15, to ensure timely, smooth sales of the harvest.
Employment Over Addiction
CM Bhagwant emphasized his aim to empower youth by providing jobs and pulling them away from drug addiction. He said unemployment often leads to social problems, and his government has already created around 55,000 government jobs. He stressed that employment is the key to keeping young people away from drugs and crime.
War Against Drug Mafia Intensifies
CM Bhagwant accused previous governments of shielding drug mafias, but said his administration is cracking down through a focused campaign. Drug suppliers are being arrested, and their properties are being seized and destroyed. He reiterated zero tolerance for drug-related crimes and emphasized that the so-called untouchable drug lords are now behind bars.
Landmark Health Scheme Launched
CM Bhagwant spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a pioneering scheme that offers cashless health treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually. He said Punjab is the first state to implement such a scheme, which is intended to relieve financial pressure and ensure quality healthcare for all.
Cleaning Up Past Mess, Focusing on Growth
CM Bhagwant said that after spending three years cleaning up administrative mess left by earlier regimes, his government is now focused on reviving Punjab’s lost glory. He blamed earlier leadership for Punjab’s stagnation, while affirming his commitment to inclusive and holistic development.
Reviving Water Resources, Ensuring Free Power
Due to neglect by earlier governments, groundwater levels had plummeted in 117 of 153 blocks. In response, Mann’s government has revived nearly 16,000 water channels, reaching even the remotest corners. Additionally, since July, 90% of households are receiving free electricity. For the first time, the state government purchased a power plant from the private sector to boost energy production and ensure uninterrupted supply — especially during peak agricultural seasons.
Thermal Plant Named After Guru Amar Dass Ji
Highlighting a significant gesture, CM Bhagwant Mann announced that the newly acquired thermal plant has been named after the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji. The plant has sufficient coal reserves and will ensure consistent electricity supply to all sectors.
Call for Simplicity in Weddings
CM Bhagwant Mann expressed concern over extravagant weddings that place financial burdens on common farmers. He urged people to opt for simple marriage ceremonies, warning that lavish spending leads to debt and long-term consequences. Reducing this pressure could help farmers break out of the cycle of financial distress.
Promoting Cooperative-Based Farming Equipment Use
To reduce costs in agriculture, CM Bhagwant encouraged farmers to rent modern farm machinery through cooperative societies. The government is already offering subsidies to these cooperatives, and such resource sharing can help make farming more economically viable.
Critique of Opposition Leadership
Taking a swipe at opposition leaders, CM Bhagwant Mann said many of them are disconnected from Punjab’s culture and language. He claimed they were educated in elite institutions like Doon and Sanawar, and have neglected Punjabi language and local issues — which led to their rejection by voters.
No Mercy for Drug Lords
CM Bhagwant Mann reiterated that there would be no leniency for those who enabled Punjab’s drug crisis. He accused past leaders of using their power and even official vehicles to facilitate drug smuggling. Now, under his leadership, those figures are being held accountable, with widespread public support for the anti-drug campaign “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh.”
Farmers at the Core of Policy
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to agriculture, CM Bhagwant said continuous efforts are being made to make farming profitable. He expressed satisfaction that farmers are now reporting uninterrupted electricity and canal water supply, and that their satisfaction is visible in the smiles on their faces.