Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann intensified his political attack on the BJP while showcasing his government’s welfare initiatives during the second day of the “Shukrana Yatra” in Raiya, Amritsar, asserting that the Aam Aadmi Party government has focused on “delivery-based governance” while the BJP-led Centre has consistently taken what he described as “anti-Punjab decisions.”
Addressing large public gatherings during the yatra, Mann said the people of Punjab have witnessed a clear difference between governments that work for public welfare and those driven by political confrontation. He claimed that within just four years, the Punjab government had delivered a series of major public welfare measures, including free electricity to households, more than 65,000 government jobs, canal water supply for farmers, ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage and monthly financial assistance schemes for women.
The Chief Minister also launched a sharp criticism of the BJP over the farmers’ agitation, referring to the deaths of nearly 700 farmers during the protest movement against the now-repealed farm laws. Mann said Punjab would never forget what he termed the “sacrifice of annadatas” and accused the BJP of repeatedly attempting to undermine Punjab’s rights, identity and resources.
During his speech, Mann alleged that Punjab has continuously faced challenges from the Centre on multiple fronts, including issues related to river waters, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Chandigarh, Punjab University and healthcare institutions such as the state’s Aam Aadmi Clinics. According to him, these developments have strengthened public sentiment in favour of protecting Punjab’s interests and federal rights.
The Chief Minister also targeted the possibility of renewed political understanding between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP, stating that any future alliance between the two parties would once again expose what he described as “politics driven by self-interest rather than Punjab’s welfare.” Mann remarked that both parties had historically functioned together politically and claimed that such alignments had weakened public trust over time.
A major portion of Mann’s address focused on the Punjab government’s recently introduced anti-sacrilege legislation. Reiterating his government’s stand on protecting the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Chief Minister said the law provides for strict punishment ranging from a minimum of ten years imprisonment to life imprisonment along with fines up to ₹50 lakh for those found guilty of sacrilege.
Mann questioned why earlier governments had failed to enact such stringent legislation and alleged that previous administrations lacked the political will to deal firmly with sacrilege-related incidents. He further claimed that several past incidents had deeply hurt public sentiments and that his government considered it a moral responsibility to introduce stronger legal protection.
The Chief Minister also criticised opposition parties for their alleged silence during the legislative discussions on the anti-sacrilege law in the Punjab Assembly. According to Mann, the absence of some opposition leaders from the debate reflected discomfort over questions related to incidents that occurred during their own tenure in power.
Highlighting the governance initiatives of the AAP government, Mann said Punjab has witnessed significant expansion in healthcare and education infrastructure. He pointed to the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state, modernization of government schools, free electricity schemes benefiting a large section of households and major upgrades in public utilities and hospitals.
He further stated that the government has worked extensively to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, including the revival of canals and the laying of nearly 14,000 kilometres of pipelines to improve water access for agricultural fields across Punjab.
Calling the “Shukrana Yatra” a spiritual and thanksgiving journey rather than a political campaign, Mann said the programme was intended to express gratitude for the opportunity to serve Punjab and implement what he described as historic legislation to protect religious sentiments. He maintained that Punjab’s social harmony and communal unity remain deeply rooted despite attempts by divisive forces to create tension.
“Punjab’s soil is fertile for brotherhood and humanity, not for hatred,” Mann told supporters, while asserting that the state government would continue working towards peace, prosperity and development for all sections of society.
The “Shukrana Yatra” is being viewed as politically significant at a time when Punjab’s political atmosphere is gradually heating up ahead of future electoral battles, with all major parties attempting to strengthen their narratives and reconnect with grassroots support across the state.
