Ajnala, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said a return of opposition parties to power would put the state’s welfare schemes, public institutions and interests at risk, alleging that they would discontinue free electricity, free bus travel for women and the ₹1,000 monthly assistance scheme.
Addressing a large ‘Lok Milni’ programme at Sansra village in Ajnala Assembly constituency, Mann also accused the BJP of seeking to give Punjab’s share of water to Haryana and Rajasthan and alleged that the party wanted to separate Chandigarh and Panjab University from Punjab.
Mann said his government had brought electricity bills down to zero for 90 per cent of households, purchased the Goindwal Sahib private thermal power plant and increased canal water utilisation from 22 per cent to 88 per cent. He also highlighted the laying of around 14,000 km of underground water pipelines across the state.
Taking aim at the opposition, the Chief Minister said, “If, by mistake, an opposition party comes to power, they will discontinue free electricity, free bus travel for women and the ₹1,000 monthly assistance.”
He further alleged that opposition parties would “destroy” Mohalla Clinics and government schools and promote private schools.
On Punjab’s water rights, Mann referred to an agreement signed on September 15 by Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi to take forward the Kishau Multipurpose Project, noting that Punjab was not part of it.
“Why is Punjab being treated as an outsider when the question concerns the water resources of this region?” he asked, alleging that the BJP wanted to decide water distribution while keeping Punjab out of discussions.
Mann said his government would continue to fight for Punjab’s interests and would not compromise on the state’s rights.
He also highlighted the government’s education and health initiatives, including Schools of Eminence, teacher-training programmes involving institutions and destinations such as Finland, Singapore and IIMs, and the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna. He said around 54 lakh families had received health cards under the health scheme.
On welfare measures, Mann defended the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, saying the financial assistance was being used by women for household expenses, school fees and other essential needs.
The Chief Minister also targeted the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, questioning the opposition parties’ political strength and leadership. He alleged that previous governments had used political power for personal and family interests.
Referring to the Akali Dal, Mann said, “The Shiromani Akali Dal brings daily-wage labourers to its rallies, but this time it will not even be able to open its account.”
He said the people of Punjab would ultimately decide the political future of every party and leader, and asserted that his government’s focus remained on electricity, health, education, water, infrastructure and welfare.
Mann also said the government had laid around 14,000 km of water pipelines and increased canal water utilisation from 22 per cent to 88 per cent during its tenure.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said Punjab stood with “honest politics” and that his government’s objective was to ensure that the benefits of governance reached ordinary people across the state.
FOLLOW NOW
