He also alleged corruption in sand mining and public works, asserting strict accountability for public funds.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Lays Foundation Stone of Rs 24.5-Crore ITI, Highlights Development Achievements

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a strong political attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while laying the foundation stone of a Rs 24.5-crore Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Fatehgarh Sahnianwali village in the Sardulgarh Assembly constituency.

In his 35-minute speech, Mann criticised previous governments for labelling the area as “backward” and issuing backward area certificates instead of ensuring real development. Taking aim at SAD, he referred to statements by Sukhbir Singh Badal and alleged that the former regime’s education policies had weakened academic standards. He accused both the Akalis and the Congress of promoting family interests through limited “four-point programmes” focused on their relatives.

Without naming leaders, Mann also criticised the BJP, saying it had no substantial base in Punjab, and contrasted the party with what he called the “latest technology engine” of the AAP. Referring to the farmers’ agitation over the three farm laws, he said the SAD misled people and claimed Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s resignation was political compulsion, not sacrifice. He also alleged corruption in sand mining and public works, asserting strict accountability for public funds.

Highlighting government achievements, Mann said 63,000 jobs had been provided and canal irrigation coverage had increased from 21-22% in 2022 to 68% in under four years. He announced road and irrigation upgrades, three new power grids, and Rs 14.76 crore for Sardulgarh’s sewerage. The ITI will have 240 seats and five trainers, providing employment or entrepreneurship opportunities for students.

Other dignitaries at the event included Manish Sisodia, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, and MLAs Gurpreet Singh Banawali, Dr Vijay Singla, and Budh Ram. Punjabi singer R Nait performed, and some village panchayats presented the Chief Minister with a wooden plough. Mann also said he had addressed girls’ concerns about travelling 25 km to attend school.

Source: The Tribune