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16,000 Jan Sabhas in 10 days; AAP to take 4-Year Report Card of Mann Govt to Every Household Across Punjab: Aman Arora

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026(Yes Punjab News)

President Aman Arora on Wednesday announced a massive statewide public outreach campaign to mark four years of the Bhagwant Mann Government, asserting that the AAP government has delivered transparent, accountable and people-centric governance while transforming key sectors across the state. The AAP Punjab President noted the campaign will take the AAP government’s report card directly to the people through 16,000 rallies, Jan Sabhas and nukkad meetings over the next 10 days.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday,AAPPunjab StatePresident Aman Arora stated, “A massive public outreach campaign will begin from tomorrow under which 16,000 rallies, Jan Sabhas and nukkad meetings will be held across Punjab over the next 10 days. This campaign marks the completion of four years of the Bhagwant Mann Government, which has delivered unprecedented, transparent and accountable governance under the ideological guidance of Arvind Kejriwal.”

The AAP Punjab State President added that the campaign will involve ministers, MLAs, chairpersons, sarpanches, panches, MCs, district presidents and party volunteers, who will reach every village, street and household with the government’s report card. “We will take our four-year report card to every village, every street and every household. All ministers, MLAs, chairpersons, sarpanches, panches, MCs, district presidents and party volunteers will participate in this outreach campaign,” he stated.

Highlighting the party’s ideological foundation, Aman Arora said, “From day one, Arvind Kejriwal made it clear that we came to change politics, not to do politics. His politics rests on two principles, honest politics and development through work. Today, every child in Punjab acknowledges that the work done in these four years surpasses what was achieved in the previous 70 years.”

Presenting a detailed account of achievements, Aman Arora said, “Every family in Punjab now has a health insurance cover of up to ₹10 lakh, a flagship scheme unparalleled in the country. Schools and hospitals have been completely transformed. 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics are already operational and over 100 more will be inaugurated in the coming days, taking the total to 1000 clinics.”

On sports infrastructure, he said, “3,000 sports stadiums have been constructed and over 6,000 more are under construction. By the end of the five-year term, every village will have a sports stadium so that children, youth and elders can stay physically active and away from drugs.”

Despite financial constraints, he asserted that development work has continued at scale. “Even though the Centre has withheld over ₹8,300 crore of Rural Development Fund money, Punjab is building over 40,000 kilometres of roads. The Sadak Surakhya Force has emerged as a globally recognised service with a response time of just four to five minutes and has saved thousands of lives,” he said.

On agriculture and irrigation, Aman Arora stated, “Canal water has reached the tail-ends of lakhs of farmers, ending a 20-year wait. A recent Central government report shows groundwater levels have risen by five feet in several blocks. Farmers no longer need to spend nights in fields, as the Punjab Government is ensuring daytime power supply to agriculture pumps.”

He also highlighted strong fiscal performance and employment generation. “Excise revenue has jumped from ₹27,000 crore to nearly ₹57,000 crore, while GST collections have more than doubled from ₹12,000 crore to over ₹30,000 crore. More than 65,000 government jobs have been given purely on merit. The government’s procurement of the GVK thermal power plant will bring huge revenue benefits to Punjab,” he added.

Reaffirming AAP’s commitment to fulfilling promises, Aman Arora said, “We are a party that delivers more than it promises. We fulfilled all five guarantees. Schools and hospitals have been transformed. ₹1 crore for martyred soldiers’ families was implemented in the first year. 300 units of free electricity per household was implemented in the first year. ₹1,000 per month to women and ₹1,500 to Dalit mothers and sisters has been provisioned in this budget. We are the only government that delivered more than its guarantees.”

Contrasting AAP with traditional parties, he said, “We are not like Congress, BJP or Akali Dal who swear false oaths before elections and then break every promise. We are not here to make election jumlas. We are committed to honesty, dedication and development works.”

Reiterating the party’s approach, Aman Arora added, “We are confident in our work under the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal and the leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann. Our message to the people of Punjab is simple, if you endorse our efforts, we seek your support; if not, we will respect your decision.”

Don’t Embarrass Kejriwal, Leave AAP If Not Interested in Fighting Drug Mafia: Manish Sisodia’s Clear Message to Punjab Ministers & MLAs

Ludhiana, March 25, 2026(Yes Punjab News)

Drawing a clear red line within the party, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia on Wednesday delivered a clear message to Ministers and MLAs that there is no space in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for those unwilling to take on the drug mafia, asserting that anyone who hesitates must step aside rather than bring disrepute to Arvind Kejriwal.

During the Malwa Zone meeting under the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, he underlined that the fight against drugs is central to AAP’s political purpose, stating that leaders like Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Singh Mann and he himself entered politics to fearlessly confront such mafias and dismantle their networks completely.

Reiterating a strict zero-tolerance approach, the AAP Punjab Prabhari made it clear that no one involved in the drug trade will be spared, even if they belong to AAP, while asserting that the party’s origins in struggle and its track record of taking on corruption will now drive a decisive push to root out drugs from Punjab.

Addressing the gathering, senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia stated, “Fight against drugs is a long and decisive battle, and the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is fully committed to eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.”

The AAP Punjab Prabhari stated, “I want to tell my AAP’s MLAs, Ministers and Halqa In-charges that they must not shift responsibility onto others. They should not be able to sleep if even a single ward or village under them has drug trade continuing.

If any MLA, Minister or Halqa In-charge feels they are not in politics to take on drug traffickers, they should not embarrass Arvind Kejriwal and must leave the party. Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Singh Mann and I entered politics to fearlessly take on the drug mafia and finish their network completely. Whoever is afraid should leave the party. There is no point in being in the Aam Aadmi Party if you are unwilling to fight this battle.”

He noted the need for collective action and uncompromising enforcement against drug networks. “If we want to free Punjab from drugs, we must fight like warriors. This is a collective war to save Punjab’s future,” he said, adding, “Clear instructions have been issued that no one involved in the drug trade should be spared regardless of political affiliation, even if the accused belongs to the AAP. Strictest action must be taken against whosoever is found guilty.”

Invoking Punjab’s legacy, Manish Sisodia reminded people of their heritage of courage and sacrifice. “We belong to the land of Gurus and martyrs, and Yudh Nashean Virudh will prove to be the final nail in the coffin of the drug menace. This war will be won only through courage and determination. We must not lose heart and resolve to make Punjab completely drug-free,” he said, urging citizens to actively participate, share information, and support enforcement efforts.

Drawing a parallel with AAP’s ideological foundation, he added, “Just as AAP is not merely a political party but a movement to root out corruption and corrupt elements from the system, similarly, we must root out drugs and drug traffickers from Punjab. With the earnest efforts of all, we will win this battle one day.”

Calling for coordinated grassroots action, Manish Sisodia said, “Ministers, MLAs, and Halqa In-charges must work shoulder-to-shoulder with block heads and Village Defence Committees. They must motivate and protect them while ensuring close coordination with AAP ground workers and the police. Pull up your socks and lead from the front with utmost seriousness and commitment. Take full ownership of making your respective areas drug-free.”

Recalling AAP’s journey, the senior AAP leader highlighted the party’s resilience in the face of challenges. “AAP was born out of struggle and has never lacked courage. Even when our leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendar Jain, and myself, were targeted in the so-called liquor scam, the court found there was no case at all. Despite losing several powers, the government delivered landmark reforms in education, healthcare, electricity, and water supply,” he said.

Meanwhile, Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian also reiterated the AAP government’s firm approach. “The Bhagwant Mann Government has adopted a war-footing approach to make Punjab drug-free. No stone will be left unturned to eradicate the supply chain, arrest big traffickers, and confiscate or demolish their illegally acquired properties,” said Hardeep Singh Mundian, urging all stakeholders to turn the campaign into a true people’s movement through active involvement of village and ward defence committees.

Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain presented a detailed multi-pronged roadmap to make Ludhiana a drug-free district, focusing on strict enforcement, large-scale awareness campaigns, community participation, and robust de-addiction and rehabilitation support under the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign with coordinated efforts of police, civil administration, NGOs, and local stakeholders.

Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma informed that significant progress has already been made in enforcement. “Around 2,500 drug peddlers have been arrested, including 352 notorious offenders. Properties worth ₹12 crore have been seized, and over 4,000 people have been admitted for de-addiction treatment,” he said.

Khanna SSP Dr. Darpan Ahluwalia and SDM Swati Tiwana also briefed the gathering about targeted interventions, stating that the notorious Meat Market hotspot is being completely reformed through a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach.

The meeting was attended by MLAs Sarvjit Kaur Manuke, Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Madan Lal Bagga, Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Hakam Singh Thekedar, Manwinder Singh Giaspura, Jiwan Singh Sangowal, Rupinder Singh Happy, Gurdit Singh Sekhon, Davinderjit Singh Laddi Dhos, Amritpal Singh Sukhanand and others, along with senior leader Dr. KNS Kang, Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, senior administrative and police officers, and members of Village Defence Committees (VDC).

Ajj Da Hukamnama – Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar – March 26, 2026

Day 64 of Gangstran Te Vaar: Punjab Police Conducts 540 Raids; 206 Arrested

Punjab Police Logo

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 64th day, Punjab Police on Wednesday conducted 540 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

On Day 64, Police teams arrested 206 individuals after recovering three weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 16,884 since the launch of the campaign.

Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 59 persons, whereas, 122 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested five proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 389th day with 103 drug smugglers arrested on Wednesday and recovered 8.4 kg heroin, 37 kg poppy husk, 270 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 1450 drug money from their possession.

With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 55,440 in just 389 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 34 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ is a decisive battle against drugs: Manish Sisodia

Manish Sisodia in Jalandhar urges united fight

Jalandhar, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab in-charge and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, who arrived in Jalandhar today to attend a training session of block coordinators, said while addressing the gathering that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign is a widespread battle against drugs.

He said that only through collective unity and joint efforts can the menace of drugs be eradicated from its roots.

On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, MLA Kartarpur Balkar Singh, MLA Nakodar Inderjit Kaur Mann, MLA Tanda Jasbir Singh Raja Gill, MLA Hoshiarpur Bhram Shankar Jimpa, MLA Chabbewal Dr. Ishank Kumar, MLA Dasuya Karamveer Singh Ghuman, and MLA Banga Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, along with constituency in-charges from Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, and Hoshiarpur, and a large number of block coordinators were present.

Calling for an active role against drugs, Mr. Sisodia said that to eradicate drugs from the root, people should go to villages and wards and provide information about those selling drugs so that strict action can be ensured against them.

He said that under the visionary leadership of AAP’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, a large-scale war is being fought against drugs. He added that while individuals dependent on drugs are being rehabilitated, those involved in drug trafficking are being put behind bars.

He further said that under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, bulldozers are also being used on the properties of drug traffickers so that in the future, anyone involved in such activities thinks twice about the consequences.

Encouraging the block coordinators, he said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign should not be seen as just an action but as a full-fledged war, and everyone must contribute to winning this battle to make Punjab a ‘Rangla Punjab’.

He said that he is participating in training sessions of block coordinators across different districts and that district-level training sessions/meetings will also be conducted in the future.

He added that the day is not far when, with the unity of the people of Punjab, the dream of a drug-free and vibrant Punjab will be realised.

He also asked MLAs and constituency in-charges to step into the field at the grassroots level and closely monitor the actions being taken by block coordinators.

Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat, while addressing the gathering, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking major action against drug traffickers to make the state drug-free.

He said that this action against drug peddlers will continue in the future as well. He added that due to the strict stance adopted by the Punjab Government against drugs, those involved in drug trade are either behind bars or have fled the state.

Earlier, Nasha Mukti Morcha Doaba Zone Coordinator Nayan Chhabra conducted the training session for block coordinators. Block coordinators also joined the session online.

On this occasion, Chairman Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank Pawan Kumar Tinu, Chairman District Planning Committee Amritpal Singh, Chairman Improvement Trust Ramneek Singh Randhawa, Vice Chairman Punjab School Education Board Principal Prem Kumar, constituency in-charges Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Nitin Kohli, Dinesh Dhall, Harji Mann (Phagwara), Vice Coordinator of Nasha Mukti Morcha Doaba Zone Atin Agnihotri, along with various district and constituency in-charges and block coordinators were present.

Bhagwant Mann Govt pushes Punjab classrooms into future as AI hackathon trains over 1,000 students in cutting edge technology

PSEB hosts AI Hackathon to boost student innovation

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

In a pioneering step to integrate emerging technologies into school education, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) organised an AI Hackathon that served as the grand finale of a first-of-its-kind pilot project that will promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills among students.

The project was launched in collaboration with the First Academy of Artificial Intelligence (FAAI) and Skilleareum, covering more than 1,000 students and 22 teachers across 22 schools in Punjab.

Congratulating the PSEB and winners of the event, Punjab Minister of School Education, Harjot Singh Bains stated, “The initiative was designed to promote innovation, technical skills, creativity and leadership qualities among young learners while encouraging them to become future entrepreneurs.

The initiative focused on imparting technical skills for the effective use of AI-driven applications, with students undergoing 12 weeks of live, interactive online classes conducted by AI experts.”

He shared, “The Education Department plans to expand the AI skill development programme to more schools across the state in the coming academic session. This is not just a competition. It is about preparing our children for the future.

AI is no longer a subject of tomorrow. It is the language of today. Through this pilot project and hackathon, we are ensuring that students in Punjab’s government schools are not left behind in the technological revolution.”

He emphasised that the AI Hackathon would enhance students’ technical skills and foster a culture of innovation. The enthusiasm and quality of projects we witnessed today show that when given the right exposure and mentorship, our students can compete at the highest level. This is just the beginning. The event reinforced CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s commitment to tech-driven education.

Meanwhile, PSEB Chairman Dr Amarpal Singh stated, “The AI Hackathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from 20 schools, with 60 students (three from each school) competing in the event. Each team was given one hour to present their innovative projects, which were evaluated by a panel of AI experts.

Participating teams showcased their expertise in areas such as technical innovation, video creation, business planning and web development, effectively utilising modern AI tools.”

He said that the top three teams were awarded cash prizes along with certificates. The first prize of ₹11,000 was won by Punjab School Education Board Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Khatkar Kalan (S.B.S. Nagar). The second prize of ₹5,100 went to Ravinder Khullar Memorial G.M. Model Senior Secondary School, Model Town (Jalandhar). The third prize of ₹3,100 was bagged by Shaheed Udham Singh Wala Govt. Senior Secondary School (Boys), Sunam Udham Singh Wala (Sangrur), he added.

The Chairman further informed that a consolation prize of ₹3,100 was awarded to G.T.B. Khalsa Senior Secondary Public School, Dasuya (Hoshiarpur). In the all-girls category, Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. Mandi Gobindgarh (Fatehgarh Sahib) also received a consolation prize of ₹3,100.

Punjab Vigilance Bureau nabs ASI red handed accepting Rs 20,000 bribe

Punjab-Police-Shoulder-Logo

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Assistant Sub Inspector Harpal Singh posted at Counter Intelligence Office, district Patiala , red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000/-.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of tehsil Naba district Patiala.

He said that the an enquiry was conducted regarding involvement of complainant’s relative in a Khalistani movement in the year 2023. In this regard, accused ASI called the complainant in counter intelligence office and told him that he was also involved in Khalistani movement with his relative.

In this regard, complainant alleged that accused ASI demanded bribe of Rs 20,000/- in lieu of giving an enquiry report in favour of him which was required to the complainant to go abroad.

Unwilling to pay any illegal gratification, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau range Patiala. After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused ASI was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 20,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Patiala and further investigation into this case is under progress.

AAP Govt has courage to act against its own minister, unlike Congress & Akali Dal regimes that gave clean chits without probe: Aman Arora

Aman Arora AAP Leader

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Drawing a clear line between governance rooted in accountability and the culture of political protectionism, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State President Aman Arora asserted that the Punjab Government has set a new benchmark by acting swiftly and decisively against wrongdoing, including the immediate removal and arrest of Laljit Bhullar.

The AAP Punjab State President underscored that while the AAP Government has the courage to take action against its own and uphold truth, the BJP-led Haryana Government continues to shield the accused in the ADGP’s tragic suicide, and previous Congress and Akali Dal regimes routinely handed out clean chits without any probe.

Responding to a media query, AAP Punjab State President Aman Arora underlined the AAP Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the government’s intent is clear in its swift action against wrongdoing.

“The clarity of Punjab Government’s intent is evident for all to see. Our government acts swiftly on allegations. Laljit Bhullar was removed immediately and arrested. We are committed to accountability. In contrast, the BJP-led Haryana Government has been shielding the accused in the ADGP’s tragic suicide,” said Aman Arora.

Drawing a sharp contrast with previous regimes, Aman Arora emphasised that the AAP Government does not follow the old culture of shielding those in power and instead upholds truth and accountability. “If you look at Congress and Akali Dal regimes, their leaders faced serious allegations but received clean chits within minutes without any probe.

The AAP Government is different. We have the courage to speak the truth, acknowledge wrongdoing and do not shield our own,” added Aman Arora.

Punjab Ranks 2nd Nationally in Scholarship Disbursement: Dr Baljit Kaur

Dr Baljit Kaur distributes toolkits

SAS Nagar, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr Baljit Kaur, stated that Punjab has secured the second position at the national level in the disbursement of scholarships aimed at promoting education among Scheduled Caste (SC) and other students.

While chairing a Tool Kit Distribution and Awareness Programme on welfare schemes for SC students at Kalkat Bhawan, Mohali, covering six districts, the Cabinet Minister highlighted that nearly 10 lakh students have pursued education in their desired fields during the tenure of the Bhagwant Mann-led government.

She informed that the distribution of tool kits to ITI trainees is part of the Free Textbooks and Tool Kits Scheme for SC students, which is 100% funded by the Punjab Government.

A total of 1506 ITI students will benefit under this initiative, with 630 students from districts including SAS Nagar, Rupnagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Ludhiana covered in the first phase across 32 Government ITIs.

Emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, the Minister stated that the initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship among youth, enabling them to achieve larger goals through skill-based employment.

She further added that earlier only two districts in Punjab were covered under the Minority Scholarship Programme of the Government of India, but due to persistent efforts of the state government, the scheme has now been extended to all districts.

Reflecting on social progress, she noted that social reformers like Dr B. R. Ambedkar and the teachings of Sikhism have played a significant role in eliminating discrimination based on caste, and reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to uplifting economically weaker sections.

MLAs Kulwant Singh and Kuljit Singh Randhawa appreciated the initiative, stating that the tool kits will help ITI trainees become self-reliant and earn livelihoods with dignity. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing quality education and healthcare facilities to all.

Principal Secretary V. K. Meena elaborated on various welfare schemes of the department, while Director Mrs Vimmie Bhullar welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted key aspects of the scheme.

ADC (Rural Development) Sonam Chaudhary delivered the vote of thanks and reiterated the district administration’s commitment to effectively implementing welfare schemes for the weaker sections.

Raja Warring reversed Congress stand calling for CBI probe into death of DM Randhawa following reprimand from CM: Sukhbir Badal

Sukhbir Badal slams Congress

Amloh, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today said Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was so afraid of skeletons tumbling out of his closet that he had reversed the party’s stand calling for a CBI probe into the death of Warehousing officer Dr Gagandeep S Randhawa following a single reprimand from chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

The SAD president was addressing a massive rally here as part of the party’s Punjab Bachao campaign along with senior leader Gurpreet Singh Raju khanna.

Mr Sukhbir Badal said it was astonishing that Raja Warring had started opposing the stand taken by all Congress MPs of Punjab calling for a CBI probe into the death of Dr Randhawa in writing to union home minister Amit Shah.

“All it took for the CM to make Raja Warring come to heel was a statement that the case involving the latter and his brother in law Dimpy Vinayak who forced a Faridkot businessman to commit suicide was also not sent to the CBI”.

Mr Badal asserted that Bhagwant Mann had also constantly brandished a file containing details of an Rs 100 crore scam by Raja Warring involving fabrication of 814 buses from Rajasthan despite lower quotes from Punjab fabricators during his tenure as Transport minister in 2021- 22. He said the complete cave-in by Raja Warring on this sensitive issue had made it clear that the latter was not fit to be Punjab Congress president and would only bring ruin to the party.

Asserting that Punjab needed a party and a chief minister who could bring back the era of peace and development, the SAD president said “you have seen both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party. Stop experimenting any further. Repose faith in your regional party and its leadership to put Punjab back on the path of progress and prosperity”.

He also listed how the SAD had in its earlier stints in power done the utmost for farmers, traders and the poor. “We gave farmers free power facility besides making Punjab power surplus. The SAD is also responsible for introducing old age pension and innovative social welfare schemes like Aata-Dal, Shagun and SC scholarship. All these schemes are in doldrums under AAP rule”, he added.

Mr Badal also spoke on how the AAP government had betrayed farmers at every step be it reneging on procuring Moong pulse despite official announcements and not giving compensation for the crop damage in floods last year. “The AAP government has also failed to intervene and help farmers in case of forced distress sale of commodities like potatoes which is happening right now. I assure farmers that we will direct State agencies to step in and procure all food commodities in case of any distress sale”.

Speaking about his plan for the future of Punjab, Mr Badal announced he would not allow one drop of industrial or sewage effluent to enter the Sutlej and Beas rivers. “The violators will be dealt with sternly. This is absolutely essential to tackle the scourge of cancer in the Malwa belt”.

The SAD president also announced that motor cycles would be exempt from road tax once the SAD government was formed. He said an Rs 10 lakh interest free loan would be offered to youth besides restarting an expanded Aata Dal scheme and raising old age pension to Rs 3,100 per month and Shagun allowance to Rs 1 lakh. He also announced all farmers bereft of a tubewell connection would be given this facility besides free “takseem” of joint ownership of land and the reintroduction of the single point tax Rahat scheme to end the tax terrorism being inflicted on traders by the AAP government.