Punjab Chief Minister Flags Historical Injustices During Republic Day Address
While unfurling the national flag in Hoshiarpur on Republic Day, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann brought to the forefront long-standing legacy issues concerning the state. He emphatically stated that Punjab has been unjustly denied its rightful capital and a separate high court since India gained independence.
Firm Stance on Chandigarh and State Rights
The Chief Minister declared that ongoing attempts to undermine Punjab's legitimate claims over Chandigarh, Panjab University, and its water rights would be met with determined resistance. "Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of Punjab," Mann asserted before the gathered crowd. He pledged that the state government would employ all constitutional and legal avenues daily to safeguard Punjab's interests and reclaim what rightfully belongs to it.
Addressing the assembly, Mann highlighted Punjab's unparalleled contributions: "Punjab made unmatched sacrifices in India's freedom struggle and it continues in its role as the country's food bowl and sword arm." Despite this, he lamented the persistent denial of basic institutional rights. He expressed deep concern over what he described as daily conspiracies to deprive Punjab of its capital, university, water resources, and other entitlements.
Urgent Need for a Separate High Court
Mann expressed particular anguish over the absence of a separate high court for Punjab. He pointed out the unfortunate reality that while smaller northeastern states possess their own high courts, Punjab continues to share the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This arrangement, he explained, causes significant hardship for Punjabis due to the enormous backlog of cases, resulting in prolonged legal delays and justice denied.
Connecting Governance with Heritage and Faith
The Chief Minister skillfully wove together themes of governance, heritage, and spiritual faith during his address. He recalled the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur and mentioned the official declaration of Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities. In a significant announcement, Mann revealed that the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas would be celebrated with state-level programs spanning from February 1 this year to February 20 next year, following similar commemorative lines.
Governance Achievements and Future Directions
Mann outlined several key governance initiatives and accomplishments under his administration:
- Decisive action against drug trafficking, gangsters, and narco-drones through operations named ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh' and ‘Gangstran Te Vaar'
- Implementation of universal healthcare coverage providing financial protection up to Rs 10 lakh
- Provision of more than 63,000 government jobs through transparent processes without any bribery
- Substantial reduction in road accident fatalities due to the dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force
He also voiced concern about recent modifications to the MGNREGA scheme that adversely affect Scheduled Caste communities and landless families. On an economic front, Mann claimed record investments totaling Rs 1.5 lakh crore that have generated approximately 5.2 lakh employment opportunities. Looking ahead, he announced the upcoming Punjab Investment Summit scheduled for March 13 to 15.
Warning Against Divisive Forces and Criminal Elements
The Chief Minister issued a stern warning against forces attempting to sow division within Punjab. He condemned what he termed false propaganda designed to create rifts among Punjabis and assured that his government would never allow such destructive schemes to succeed.
Mann delivered an unequivocal message to criminal elements: "A crackdown against gangsters, ‘Gangstran Te Vaar', is underway. Their supporters will also not be spared. No leniency will be shown to lawbreakers." He demanded that gangsters abandon their criminal paths or face severe consequences, emphasizing that peace, unity, and brotherhood would be maintained at all costs, with the state government fully committed to this fundamental duty.
