Chamkaur Sahib (Rupnagar), August 18,
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on Monday, challenged Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to stop touting false achievements of their regime and account for the tragic Bargadi incident and the deaths of countless youths due to the drug menace during their tenure. Speaking after inaugurating several development projects in the Chamkaur Sahib Assembly segment, the Chief Minister criticized Sukhbir for boasting about development while remaining silent on the Bargadi incident, where innocent people were fired upon, and the drug crisis that devastated generations. He accused the Badal family of focusing solely on expanding their business interests, neglecting the welfare of Punjab and its people. Mann described the 2007-2017 Akali rule as the state’s darkest period, marked by the dominance of transport, cable, sand, and drug mafias.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the drug menace flourished under the patronage of the Akali regime. He vowed zero tolerance for those responsible for the “genocide of youth” through drugs, noting that some leaders not only supported the drug trade but also used official government vehicles for its distribution. Mann condemned these leaders, known for their ill-gotten wealth, for now demanding facilities in jail. He reiterated that those responsible for the devastation of Punjab’s youth deserve no leniency and will face strict punishment, as investigations have revealed their amassed wealth from the drug trade.
Taking aim at leaders from traditional parties supporting a former Akali minister currently imprisoned in Nabha on drug charges, Mann expressed shock at Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, and BJP leaders Captain Amarinder Singh and Ravneet Singh Bittu openly backing him. He accused these parties of colluding to cover up each other’s wrongdoings and challenged them to clarify their stance on drug traffickers to the people of Punjab.
Mann stated that Punjabis ousted traditional parties for plundering the state, rejecting leaders like former Chief Ministers Parkash Singh Badal, Charanjit Singh Channi, and Akali figures Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Majithia. He noted that these leaders are now engaged in a power struggle, vying to outmaneuver each other.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s transparent recruitment process, with over 55,000 merit-based appointments made without any legal challenges. He emphasized that this transparency has restored youth confidence in government jobs, reducing their inclination to migrate abroad. Mann also noted that 90% of Punjab households now receive zero electricity bills, providing significant financial relief, while farmers benefit from uninterrupted power supply for paddy cultivation. He underscored the government’s commitment to the welfare of all societal sections, driving Punjab’s progress.
Discussing the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), Mann said it has saved numerous lives since its inception, reducing road accident deaths by 48%. During his tenure as an MP, over 5,000 lives were lost annually in Punjab road accidents, but the SSF, with specially trained personnel, including women, and 144 modern vehicles, has set a model for other states. The initiative has earned praise from several states and the Government of India.
On education, Mann highlighted the upgradation of government schools to Schools of Eminence, with Punjab securing the top rank in the National Achievement Survey, surpassing Kerala. He noted that 848 government school students cleared NEET, 265 passed JEE Mains, and 45 qualified for JEE Advanced. Mann emphasized that education, not freebies, is the key to eradicating poverty and social issues by improving living standards.
The Chief Minister announced the upgradation of Chamkaur Sahib’s hospital from a Community Health Center to a Sub-Divisional Hospital, with bed capacity increased from 30 to 50 and specialist doctors doubled from five to ten. The number of Medical Officers (General) has risen from two to four, and a second operation theatre has been added. The hospital is now linked to five Aam Aadmi Clinics and 20 Ayushman Arogya Centers.
Mann also flagged off a STEM mobile bus to visit schools and enhance students’ understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through interactive activities and experiments for grades 6 to 12. Equipped with modern facilities, the bus aims to spark curiosity and boost learning interest. Additionally, he inaugurated the renovated Sub-Divisional Hospital and distributed sports kits to budding players at the stadium.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and others were present at the event.
