Chandigarh : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday accused the BJP-led Central Government of allegedly misusing investigative agencies to target Aam Aadmi Party leaders, asserting that such actions would neither intimidate the party nor distract its government from its commitments to the people of Punjab.
Reacting to the reported raid at the residence of AAP MLA Dr Amandeep Kaur, Mann alleged that central agencies were being deployed for political purposes. He maintained that the searches would yield nothing and accused the Centre of pursuing political vendetta instead of addressing pressing public concerns. He said the AAP leadership would continue its organisational work and remain focused on governance despite what he described as attempts to create pressure.
On the political situation, Mann said Rahul Gandhi and other political leaders were fully entitled to organise rallies and exercise their democratic rights. He emphasised that elected representatives must remain committed to their party’s principles, responsibilities and organisational objectives.
Highlighting his government’s record, the Chief Minister referred to the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics, improvements in government schools, the development of more than 2,000 sports grounds and efforts to clean polluted drains through the Seechewal model. He also cited the restoration of canal water to areas that had remained deprived of the facility for decades, describing these initiatives as part of the government’s broader development agenda.
Mann said farmers were now receiving electricity during morning hours, which he described as a significant improvement in the state’s agricultural power supply arrangements. He also highlighted the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra scheme, under which around 50 buses carrying nearly 2,000 devotees are reportedly being sent daily to religious destinations in Punjab and other states.
Referring to the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy, Mann said the public response to the international hockey event reflected Punjab’s deep-rooted sporting culture. He invited people to attend the India-Korea semifinal, underlining the state’s commitment to promoting hockey and encouraging young talent.
Responding to questions about the state’s financial position, the Chief Minister rejected the suggestion that constraints in the treasury should become an excuse for delaying public commitments. He said the government regarded public welfare as its priority and would continue working for employees, farmers, young people and other sections of society.
Mann also criticised what he described as misleading statements about Punjab, saying that the distortion of facts could damage the state’s image. On the announcement of 40 candidates, he clarified that the exercise was part of the party’s organisational process and that the remaining names would be declared in due course.
Reiterating his government’s priorities, Mann said the administration would continue to concentrate on development, welfare measures and fulfilling its commitments to the people. He asserted that political pressure and opposition campaigns would not divert the government from its stated agenda.
