Punjab Leader Warns Opposition Would End Free Electricity and Welfare Gains
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has warned that a return of traditional opposition parties to power would put the state's welfare schemes, public institutions and water rights at risk. Speaking at a 'Lok Milni' programme in Sansra village, Ajnala, Mann accused rivals of planning to roll back key benefits introduced by his government.
Mann said the opposition's priorities had already been exposed before the people. He alleged that free electricity, free bus travel for women and the Rs 1,000 'Samman Rashi' would be stopped if the opposition returned to office. He also claimed Mohalla Clinics and government schools would be weakened to promote private institutions.
What did Mann say about Punjab's water rights?
Mann said Punjab was being kept out of discussions on water-sharing issues linked to the Kishau Multipurpose Project. On September 15, six states signed an agreement to take forward the project, but Punjab was not included. The project envisages a 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam on the Tons River, along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border, with a water storage capacity of 1,562 million cubic metres.
He accused the BJP of planning to give Punjab's share of water to Haryana and Rajasthan, and of seeking to separate Chandigarh and Panjab University from Punjab. Mann asked why Punjab was being treated as an outsider when the question concerned the water resources of the region.
How did Mann defend his government's record?
Mann said 90 per cent of households were getting zero electricity bills. He highlighted the purchase of the private thermal power plant at Goindwal Sahib, an increase in canal water utilisation from 22 per cent to 88 per cent, the laying of 14,000 kilometres of underground pipelines and improvements in government schools.
We have also worked extensively in the water sector and substantially increased the utilisation of available water resources, he said, adding that the government's sole focus was to provide facilities to every family and build a prosperous 'Rangla Punjab'.
What did Mann say about his political rivals?
Mann targeted the Akali Dal, saying it had been reduced to bringing daily wage workers to its rallies. He also took a swipe at the Congress, saying everyone in the party wanted to become chief minister, but first they should count how many seats they have.
Saying Punjab could not remain silent when decisions affecting its interests were taken without it, Mann said his government would fight every issue concerning the state with determination and would not compromise on its rights and interests.
Why does this matter for stability and governance?
This dispute raises questions about federal cohesion and the protection of state interests. Mann's remarks underscore the importance of responsible leadership and the need for governments to safeguard public resources. The people of Punjab have taken note of this step-motherly treatment, he said.
The Chief Minister's message is clear: welfare gains must be protected, and state sovereignty over resources must not be compromised. Previous governments failed to work in the larger interests of Punjab, and political power was used for personal and family interests, he concluded.