Patiala, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of seeking votes by allegedly attempting to take control of Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Punjab’s water resources. He said depriving the state of its legitimate rights and withholding its financial dues had become a longstanding practice of the BJP-led government at the Centre.
Mann also criticised the Narendra Modi government for allegedly withholding Punjab’s Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Value Added Tax (VAT) dues for the past four-and-a-half years. Taking aim at the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the BJP over the issue of drugs, he accused the two parties of damaging Punjab during their previous tenures and claimed they were preparing to contest elections together for political gain.
The Chief Minister asserted that Punjab would not compromise on its rights and interests, adding that the opposition’s alleged frustration stemmed from the growing public support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Speaking to the media, Mann said the BJP was seeking votes while allegedly conspiring to take away Panjab University and Punjab’s water resources.
“Depriving Punjab of its legitimate rights has become an old habit of the BJP. The people of Punjab have made immense sacrifices for the country, contributed significantly to national food security and remained steadfast in safeguarding national security. Yet, the state continues to face injustice at the hands of the BJP-led Central government,” he said.
Mann emphasised that Punjab would not allow any political party to undermine its interests or compromise the rights of its people. He described Panjab University as an institution closely linked to Punjab’s history, identity and academic heritage, while highlighting the importance of the state’s water resources to its agricultural economy and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
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He said the people of Punjab would not tolerate any attempt to weaken the state’s rights over its institutions, water resources or financial entitlements.
Targeting the Centre over the pending funds, Mann said, “The Modi government has withheld Punjab’s RDF and VAT dues for the past four-and-a-half years. Keeping these funds pending for such a long period is a grave injustice to the people of Punjab and affects essential development projects and rural infrastructure works.”
Punjab was seeking only the funds legitimately due to it, he said, urging the Centre to fulfil its financial obligations towards the state.
“The people of Punjab deserve justice. Our state has every right to demand its legitimate funds, and we will continue to raise our voice against pressure and injustice. No government can deprive Punjab of its rightful resources indefinitely. The state’s development and the welfare of its people cannot be sacrificed at the altar of the BJP’s political calculations,” Mann said.
The Chief Minister also launched a sharp attack on the SAD and the BJP over the drug problem, accusing the two parties of allowing drug networks to spread across Punjab during their periods in power.
He said countless families had suffered the emotional and social consequences of drug abuse, while the state’s youth had paid a heavy price for what he described as the failures of the two parties.
“Akalis and the BJP are now preparing to contest elections together, exposing their political opportunism. Parties that failed to manage Punjab in the past cannot escape accountability by joining hands again for electoral gains,” Mann said.
He added that Punjab needed honest leadership, decisive action against drugs and a government committed to protecting the future of its youth rather than opportunistic political alliances.
Mann said voters would judge political parties on their past performance and commitment to Punjab rather than their slogans. Those who had compromised the state’s interests, he added, could not erase their previous failures through political realignments.
Referring to the growing support for AAP, the Chief Minister claimed that opposition parties were frustrated by the public’s confidence in his government’s work and welfare initiatives.
“Instead of presenting a credible alternative, the opposition is unable to tolerate the support that AAP is receiving from the people,” he said.
Mann reiterated that his government remained committed to protecting Punjab’s interests, strengthening public services and creating better opportunities for farmers, young people, labourers and ordinary families.
He said the state’s progress and public welfare remained the government’s priorities, adding that his administration would continue working to fulfil people’s expectations.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s rights, Mann said no political pressure or electoral calculations would deter it from raising its voice against injustice.
“Punjab’s water, its institutions and its legitimate financial dues cannot be used as bargaining chips in political negotiations. We will firmly defend the interests of our state and its people. Punjab has made immense contributions to the country, and its people deserve respect, equality and justice. Our government will never compromise on Punjab’s rights,” he said.
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