Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday accused the Badal family of sacrificing the Sikh Panth for their family interests, while alleging that both the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had taken turns plundering the state for decades.
Mann's Remarks at Lok Milni Event
Speaking at a Lok Milni event in Faridkot, Mann said, "The Badals have always put their family first, even if it meant hurting the Panth. They have used religion as a shield to cover their corruption." The CM did not provide specific evidence but claimed that the people of Punjab were aware of the misdeeds.
Allegations of Plunder
Mann further alleged that for the past several decades, the Congress and SAD have ruled alternately and both have exploited the state's resources. "They took turns to plunder Punjab. The common man suffered while these parties filled their coffers," he said, according to a statement released by his office.
Political Reactions
The SAD quickly rejected Mann's accusations. Party spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said, "The CM is making baseless allegations to divert attention from his government's failures. The Badals have always worked for the Sikh community." Congress leaders also dismissed the remarks as political rhetoric.
Background
The Badal family, led by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal, has dominated Punjab politics for decades. Mann's Aam Aadmi Party came to power in 2022, promising to end corruption and dynastic politics.
