Punjab CM Mann Launches Scathing Attack on SGPC President Dhami
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann delivered a sharp critique of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee president Harjinder Singh Dhami during a public address in Majitha. Mann accused Dhami of proudly declaring himself a soldier of Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal rather than a follower of Sri Guru Gobind Singh.
Allegiance to Badal Over Guru Questioned
The Chief Minister made these remarks after laying the foundation stone for twenty-three new rural link roads in the Majitha constituency. He expressed strong disapproval of Dhami's stated loyalty. Mann questioned how anyone could expect positive contributions from a person who takes pride in serving someone he claims ruined Punjab with every action.
Mann firmly reiterated the supreme status of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He emphasized that the Akal Takht stands above all individuals, including political leaders. This belief led him to prioritize appearing before the Takht over attending a function with the President of India.
Accusations Against Previous Akali Governments
The Chief Minister contrasted his administration's approach with that of previous Akali governments. He alleged that Akali leaders repeatedly undermined the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Mann claimed they appointed and removed Jathedars according to their whims, severely damaging the sanctity of these religious institutions.
Mann connected these past actions to the current investigation into missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He stated that the misdeeds of Akalis and the SGPC compelled the state government to form a Special Investigation Team. The Chief Minister clarified that the government's sole objective is to trace the missing saroops. He assured the public that his administration has no intention of interfering in religious institutions.
Historical References and Political Warnings
Without directly naming former minister Bikram Singh Majithia, Mann spoke about a past climate of fear in the region. He described a self-proclaimed 'jarnail' who used false cases as weapons against ordinary people. This individual allegedly enjoyed deep connections with both Congress and Akali governments, unleashing a reign of terror that silenced the populace.
The Chief Minister praised the people of Punjab for charting a new path by rejecting the politics of intimidation associated with the Majithia and Badal families. He invoked a historical betrayal, noting that figures from Majitha once hosted General Dyer for dinner on the day of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Mann asserted that such acts of betrayal remain unforgettable, and the people will never forgive those with blood-stained hands.
Mann issued a stark warning about the potential return of the Akali Dal to power. He claimed it would drag Punjab back into a dark era marked by sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, firing on innocent protesters, and atrocities against common citizens.
Announcements on Candidacy and Development
During the gathering, the Chief Minister declared AAP leader Talbir Singh Gill as the party's candidate from Majitha for the 2027 Assembly elections. He urged the people of Majitha to move beyond simply submitting demand letters and start taking decisions themselves.
Mann highlighted the welfare of border residents, whom he called true patriots. He announced a major relief for farmers in the border belt. The Central government has given in-principle approval to shift the border fence closer to the International Border. This move will allow unhindered cultivation of thousands of acres currently lying beyond the fencing.
The Chief Minister explained that he raised this issue with the Union Home Minister. He detailed the daily hardships faced by farmers forced to cross the fence under BSF escort to reach their fields along the 532-kilometre India-Pakistan border.
Substantial Investment in Rural Infrastructure
Mann provided specific details about the development projects initiated in Majitha. The renewal of twenty-three rural link roads in the constituency will proceed at a cost of ₹11.32 crore. Projects worth this amount have started for renovating link roads in several villages of the Majitha constituency.
The funding breakdown allocates ₹9.94 crore for road renovation and ₹1.38 crore for maintenance over the next five years. The Chief Minister noted that these roads were in a deplorable condition previously. Their poor state caused immense inconvenience to daily commuters and farmers transporting their produce to markets.
