Batala, one of Punjab’s oldest and most historically significant cities, is poised for a major transformation as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann unveiled development projects worth ₹177 crore. The initiative combines extensive infrastructure expansion with a pointed political message aimed at previous governments. The projects include over ₹95.72 crore worth of works by the Municipal Corporation, ₹16.05 crore by the Mandi Board, and ₹65.09 crore allocated for road construction by the PWD. Additional repair works worth ₹42.56 crore and ₹34.97 crore are also part of the plan, alongside new bridges, a modern bus stand to ease congestion, and ₹14.81 crore earmarked for new police lines.
Positioning the initiative as a clear departure from past governance, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people of Punjab had rejected what he described as three generations of Akali Congress rule in 2022 and would not allow their return in 2027. He accused earlier governments of weakening anti beadbi laws to protect themselves and criticised traditional parties for being disconnected from the public.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone for several projects, the Chief Minister alleged that the Akalis had deliberately framed weak laws on beadbi to shield those responsible. He claimed that such decisions were driven by fear of accountability, suggesting that stricter laws could have implicated leaders themselves.
He highlighted that the Punjab Government has passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Bill 2026, which introduces stricter punishment for beadbi. Describing past incidents as a conspiracy to disturb peace and communal harmony in the state, he said the new law would ensure strict action against offenders and act as a deterrent. He emphasised that the state has a duty to protect Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and called the legislation a historic step.
Taking aim at the Akali Dal’s Punjab Bachao Yatra, Mann dismissed it as an attempt to safeguard family interests rather than serve the state. He questioned the party’s intentions, asking whom they were trying to protect Punjab from after years in power. He accused them of widespread corruption, emotional harm to the people, and links to various mafias.
The Chief Minister also made sharp historical allegations, claiming that certain political families had aligned with British rulers and honoured General Dyer after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He said such actions reflected an anti national mindset and argued that history continues to hold them accountable.
He further accused past leaders of damaging Punjab’s youth through both violence and the drug trade, alleging that drugs flourished under their rule and that they bear responsibility for its impact. According to him, these actions cannot be forgiven and remain fresh in public memory.
Mann described these leaders as opportunistic, claiming they shift positions for political gain. He said the strong public turnout at the event, despite extreme heat, reflected support for his government.
Highlighting governance efforts, he said the current administration has focused on public welfare while previous governments prioritised personal gains through power purchase agreements and coal deals. He noted that coal supply from the Pachwara Coal Mine resumed in October 2022 and that the state achieved a supply of 70 lakh metric tons in 2024 to 25, resulting in savings of ₹1,462 crore.
He also criticised Akali leader Sukhbir Badal for making what he described as unrealistic claims, saying such statements reflect desperation to regain power. According to Mann, opposition leaders frequently attack him because their own track record has been exposed.
The Chief Minister said earlier governments operated like a cycle of power sharing while exploiting state resources. He credited voters for choosing change, which he said has led to improvements in schools, healthcare and other sectors. He contrasted this with previous leaders who built large private estates and remained inaccessible to the public.
He added that people are now more aware and less influenced by misinformation. While his government focuses on sectors like education, healthcare, power and agriculture, he said opposition parties remain focused solely on regaining power.
Outlining key initiatives, Mann said farmers are now receiving daytime electricity supply and that 300 units of free power are provided monthly to domestic consumers, with around 90 percent receiving zero bills. He added that more than 65,000 youth have secured government jobs.
He encouraged citizens to enroll in the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which offers cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family. He said over 30 lakh beneficiaries have received health cards and 1.65 lakh people have availed free treatment under the scheme.
Referring to the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, he noted that it provides ₹1000 per month to women from general categories and ₹1500 to women from SC categories above 18 years of age.
Mann said the government is now ensuring responsible use of public funds for welfare, contrasting it with what he described as widespread misuse under previous regimes that hindered Punjab’s development. He reiterated that people had voted for a pro people government and would not forgive past leadership for their actions.
He accused earlier rulers of misusing religion for political purposes and said their focus on family interests led to a loss of public trust. According to him, this shift in public sentiment resulted in their electoral defeat.
During the event, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia praised Mann’s leadership, calling him the most popular Chief Minister in Punjab and stating that his governance is focused on public welfare. Sisodia also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a threat to democracy, and urged people to safeguard their votes.
Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi and other leaders were also present on the occasion.
