Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched a fresh attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, alleging that the party could join hands with the BJP if it agrees to support the controversial three farm laws.
Speaking during a Lok Milni programme, Mann claimed that the possibility of another BJP-SAD alliance showed that the Akali leadership was willing to compromise on Punjab’s interests for political power.
“Akalis are ready to join hands with the saffron party for the sake of power, despite the fact that the BJP-led government was responsible for the martyrdom of more than 700 farmers during the agitation against the draconian farm laws. This shows that the Akali leadership has no ideology left and is ready to compromise the interests of Punjab for power,” he said.
Mann also warned voters that a return of the BJP-Akali alliance could potentially bring back the farm laws that triggered prolonged protests by farmers.
He alleged that the Akali leadership was “on its knees” to reach an alliance with the BJP ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
“Akali-BJP alliance has no ideology and no agenda for public welfare. Its sole objective is to grab power in Punjab. The people of Punjab will not be misled by the political tantrums of these parties and will teach them a befitting lesson in the coming days,” Mann said.
Mann Accuses BJP Of Using Communal Politics
The Punjab Chief Minister also accused the BJP of relying on communal divisions to win elections. Referring to the recent Panjab University polls, Mann alleged that the BJP’s victory was helped by support from the Akali Dal and said the outcome exposed an understanding between the two parties.
Mann further accused the BJP, Congress and Akali Dal of protecting each other’s interests while alternating in power.
He claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party government had broken this political pattern and was focused on development instead.
“Now the people have elected AAP and the broom is cleansing the political system of Punjab. The day is not far when those responsible for their sins will have to face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
CM Highlights AAP Government’s Work
Turning to his government’s record, Mann said Punjab had made progress in education, healthcare, electricity, roads, agriculture and sports since the AAP came to power in 2022.
He claimed that more than 90% of households in the state were receiving free electricity, while farmers were being supplied power during the daytime.
Mann also said his government had provided more than 70,000 government jobs without corruption, improved roads, shut toll plazas and expanded infrastructure in schools and hospitals.
According to him, around 3,100 sports stadiums are being developed across Punjab as part of efforts to encourage young people to participate in sports and stay away from drugs.
Mann Targets Sukhbir Badal Over Drugs, Punjab Politics
The Chief Minister also attacked SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of being disconnected from the problems faced by ordinary Punjabis.
Mann alleged that the Akali leadership had contributed to the state’s drug crisis and accused successive traditional parties of exploiting religion and public resources for political gain.
“Using religion for vested political interests is an unpardonable sin. The Akali leaders mercilessly plundered the wealth of Punjab during their tenure and are now dreaming of an alliance with Delhi to loot the state again. Their interests have always been about themselves, whereas AAP is committed only to Punjab and its people,” he said.
He also criticised the Congress, alleging that its leaders were more interested in internal fights over power than addressing the concerns of Punjab’s people.
Education And Healthcare Among Mann’s Key Claims
Mann highlighted his government’s healthcare and education initiatives, including the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which he said families in Punjab could receive cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh.
He also referred to the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which women above 18 are receiving direct financial assistance. Mann said women beneficiaries were receiving ₹1,000, while Scheduled Caste women were eligible for ₹1,500.
On education, Mann claimed that the number of government-school students qualifying for NEET had risen from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026.
“No freebie or concession card can eliminate poverty or social maladies. Education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious cycle and raise their standard of living. This is why our government is making relentless efforts to improve the quality of education and empower the common man,” he said.
Canal Irrigation And Roads
Mann also highlighted the expansion of canal irrigation, saying water had reached fields in 1,587 villages that previously did not have access to canal water.
He claimed that the area receiving canal irrigation had increased substantially since 2022, from around 26% to 80%, with the government spending ₹7,200 crore on the expansion.
The Chief Minister further said that around 45,000 kilometres of roads were being renovated and upgraded across Punjab.
With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, Mann said voters would decide whether the state should return to the politics of the Congress and Akali Dal or continue with the AAP government.
