Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, addressing a Lok Milni at Charik village in Moga, declared that the 2015 sacrilege incidents will never be forgotten by the people of Punjab, regardless of how the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) tries to portray itself as the custodian of the Sikh Panth.
Anti-Sacrilege Law and SAD Criticism
Mann emphasized that the anti-sacrilege law enacted by his government ensures such incidents are not repeated. He accused SAD of ordering the removal of identity cards bearing his photograph from elderly pilgrims visiting the Golden Temple under the Tirath Yatra scheme. The CM explained that the ID cards were issued to help identify and trace pilgrims in the heavy rush, alleging that SAD, which he claims continues to control gurdwara affairs, directed their removal.
Mann assured that women whose registrations under the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana were delayed would still receive benefits under the scheme.
Irrigation and Rural Development
Listing his government's initiatives, Mann said the decision to provide daytime electricity to farmers has transformed rural life. He noted that encroached water distributaries have been reclaimed, and canal water now reaches tail-end villages, with utilization rising from 22% to 88%.
Corruption-Free Governance and Jobs
The CM claimed that corruption has been completely eliminated, asserting that 68,000 jobs have been provided in the state. He challenged critics to point to a single instance of corruption in recruitment over the past four-and-a-half years.
Mann remarked that SAD has been reduced to such a state that it cannot even field candidates on 117 Assembly seats. He added that the Congress has more aspirants for the chief ministerial post than active workers.
Mohalla Clinics and Healthcare
Mann stated that the state now has 990 mohalla clinics, with 100 more coming up and 300 further planned. These clinics offer 46 tests and 126 medicines free of cost, and have recorded 5.5 crore consultations.
