Sangrur, September 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the proposed BJP-Akali Dal alliance, alleging that the two parties could revive the three farm laws that triggered the farmers’ agitation if they return to power.
Interacting with people during a Lok Milni programme at Sheron village in Sunam Assembly constituency, Mann said the Akali leadership was willing to compromise Punjab’s interests for political power. He also alleged that 750 farmers lost their lives during the agitation against the farm laws and asserted that Punjabis would not vote for the BJP by “stepping over the bodies” of the martyred farmers.
Mann claimed that the proposed alliance was being stitched together solely for electoral gains and warned that the people of Punjab would reject both parties in the 2027 Assembly elections.
He accused the BJP of attempting to secure votes by creating divisions between communities and said the BJP’s victory in Panjab University polls, which he attributed to Akali Dal support, had exposed the political understanding between the two parties.
Taking aim at the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann alleged that the party had repeatedly compromised Punjab’s interests for power. He also accused traditional political parties of having protected one another’s interests while in government and alleged that previous regimes had allowed the drug trade to flourish.
Targeting SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mann said the Akali leadership was disconnected from the everyday realities and problems of Punjab. He alleged that the Akalis had caused extensive damage to the state through their policies and accused them of exploiting religion for political interests.
Mann also criticised the Congress, saying its leaders were engaged in internal disputes over political power while his government was focusing on development and welfare.
Highlighting his government’s achievements since taking office in 2022, the Chief Minister said Punjab had made progress in education, healthcare, electricity, roads, water supply and sports infrastructure. He claimed that more than 70,000 government jobs had been provided to youth without corruption and that more than 90 per cent of households were receiving free electricity.
He said toll plazas had been closed, saving commuters around ₹70 lakh per day, while 3,100 sports stadiums were being constructed across the state.
On healthcare, Mann highlighted the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which he said every resident family of Punjab was entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh. He also highlighted the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which women receive ₹1,000 per month and Scheduled Caste women ₹1,500, according to the state government.
The Chief Minister said 70.92 lakh women beneficiaries had received benefits under the scheme so far, while 5.20 lakh recently registered beneficiaries were receiving ₹181.50 crore.
Emphasising education, Mann said the number of government-school students clearing NEET had risen from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026. He attributed the improvement to teacher training, Schools of Eminence and other education reforms.
On irrigation, he said canal water had reached 1,587 villages that had previously lacked access to canal irrigation. According to Mann, the area receiving canal water has increased from 20.89 lakh acres in 2022 to 60.30 lakh acres, while the overall share of canal-irrigated area has risen from 26 per cent to 80 per cent.
He added that ₹7,200 crore had been spent on expanding canal irrigation and that 45,000 km of roads were being renovated and upgraded across Punjab.
Mann said the large turnout at the Lok Milni reflected public support for his government and asserted that Punjab was moving rapidly on the path of development.
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