Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann delivered a powerful Republic Day address in Hoshiarpur, highlighting the state's immense contributions to India while decrying what he termed as repeated denial of its rightful dues. Speaking after unfurling the national flag on the 77th Republic Day, Mann underscored Punjab's pivotal role in nation-building, from the freedom struggle to agricultural productivity.
Historic Sacrifices and Ongoing Injustice
Mann began by recalling Punjab's sacrifices during India's independence movement, noting that the state suffered disproportionately during Partition. He emphasized that Punjabis have consistently played a crucial role in the country's progress, yet face persistent discrimination. "Punjabis made the most sacrifices during the freedom struggle. When the country was divided, Punjab suffered the most," Mann stated, connecting historical contributions to contemporary grievances.
Agricultural Contributions and Environmental Costs
The Chief Minister detailed how Punjab has supplied 156 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the central pool, bolstering national food security at significant environmental expense. He pointed to depleted groundwater levels and polluted rivers as direct consequences of this agricultural output. "We suffered damage to our natural resources for the country's progress. Our groundwater level went down, our rivers became polluted," Mann explained, arguing that such sacrifices warrant fair compensation and support.
Financial and Resource Disputes with the Centre
Mann accused the central government of withholding Punjab's legitimate financial rights, specifically mentioning the Rural Development Fund (RDF). He referenced constitutional guarantees for states' rights, lamenting that Punjab must resort to legal battles to secure what is lawfully theirs. "The very Constitution whose day we are celebrating today clearly mentions the rights of all states. Yet, we are forced to struggle to get what is rightfully ours," he asserted.
Water Rights and MGNREGA Changes
The speech also addressed attempts to curtail Punjab's water access through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which Mann described as a conspiracy that was thwarted. Additionally, he criticized recent changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), stating that restructuring has jeopardized livelihoods, particularly for Scheduled Caste communities. With 19.55 lakh MGNREGA workers in Punjab, including 12.65 lakh from SC families, these alterations pose significant economic risks.
Security, Social Harmony, and Statehood Issues
On law and order, Mann issued a stern warning to criminal elements and drug smugglers, highlighting efforts to dismantle supply chains and rehabilitate victims. He noted Punjab's 532-kilometre border with Pakistan, detailing security measures like anti-drone systems that have detected 498 drone movements and recovered 256 drones.
Mann also warned against divisive forces targeting Punjab's social harmony, affirming the state's resilience. "Some divisive forces are spreading false propaganda to divide Punjab. But Punjabis will never allow these designs to succeed," he declared, praising the region's communal brotherhood.
The Capital and High Court Controversy
A significant portion of the speech focused on Punjab's lack of a capital and its own high court. Mann lamented that decades after Partition, Chandigarh remains disputed, and Punjab shares the Punjab and Haryana High Court, leading to case backlogs. He vowed to fight for Chandigarh's transfer to Punjab, contrasting the situation with smaller northeastern states that have their own high courts.
Government Initiatives and Achievements
Despite these challenges, Mann listed several accomplishments of his administration:
- Provision of 63,027 government jobs based purely on merit, without bribery.
- Free electricity up to 600 units for nearly 90% of households.
- Establishment of 881 mohalla clinics, with more under construction.
- Health insurance cards for 65 lakh families without income restrictions.
- Closure of 21 toll plazas, saving Rs 67.77 lakh daily.
- Revival of over 18,000 water sources and major road infrastructure upgrades.
- Improvements in government school education and formation of a Road Safety Force, reducing fatalities.
In conclusion, Mann's Republic Day speech blended pride in Punjab's heritage with a firm demand for justice, framing the state's struggles as part of an ongoing fight for recognition and equity within the Indian federation.
