FARIDKOT:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced development projects worth ₹28.68 crore in Jaito town of Faridkot district, including the upgradation of the Community Health Centre into a 30-bed hospital, expansion of drinking water supply, and construction of a sports stadium.

The Chief Minister said the Community Health Centre in Jaito will be upgraded at a cost of ₹8 crore. He added that a pipeline project worth ₹3.01 crore will be undertaken to provide clean drinking water to around 1,200 households, while a new sports stadium will be constructed at a cost of ₹2 crore.

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stones, Mann linked the development push to the 2022 Assembly mandate, stating that people, disillusioned with traditional parties, had voted for the ‘jhaadu’ symbol of the Aam Aadmi Party, and that the aspirations associated with Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh were now being realised.

He contrasted his government’s governance model with that of opposition parties, asserting that the state government is focusing on delivering clean water, healthcare, education, ₹10 lakh health insurance and financial assistance to women, while accusing previous regimes of failing to meet public expectations.

Stepping up his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann questioned their track record in Punjab and alleged that they promoted nepotism and allowed criminal elements to enter politics. He also criticised the Centre, stating that large sections of the population continue to face poverty and rising hardships.

The Chief Minister announced that a special session of the Punjab Assembly will be convened on April 13 to enact a stringent anti-sacrilege law. He said the proposed legislation would include provisions of no bail for one year and punishment extending to life imprisonment.

Framing the 2027 Assembly elections as a “clear choice”, Mann said voters would have to choose between three options, alleging that the Congress carried the legacy of anti-Sikh riots, the Akali Dal stood discredited, and AAP represented a governance-oriented alternative committed to building a “Rangla Punjab”.

During his address, Mann also launched a sharp critique of the Akali leadership, referring to incidents of sacrilege and police firing in Behbal Kalan and Bargadi, and alleging that the party had “bruised the psyche” of Punjabis. He accused the leadership of patronising drug networks during its tenure and said those responsible could “never be forgiven”.

Taking a swipe at the Akali Dal’s Punjab Bachao Yatra, Mann termed it a “parivar bachao yatra”, and questioned the party’s intent after what he described as years of misrule.

On legislative measures, Mann said the state government would amend the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2008, and that legal experts, along with representatives of the Sant Samaj, were being consulted to frame stricter provisions.

He also referred to historical events linked to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, criticising sections of the Akali leadership over their alleged historical associations, and said such episodes reflected an “anti-national and anti-Punjab mindset”.

Targeting the Congress, Mann described it as a divided organisation, alleging internal rivalry among its leaders. He said the party was struggling with infighting and lacked organisational coherence.

Highlighting the government’s performance, Mann said several welfare initiatives had been implemented, including free electricity to 90 per cent of households, over 65,000 jobs provided without corruption, closure of toll plazas saving ₹70 lakh daily, and improvements in road and irrigation infrastructure. He added that canal water usage had increased significantly and would rise further in the coming months.

On education, he said long-term poverty alleviation depended on strengthening the sector, while in healthcare, he highlighted the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which families are entitled to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh.

Referring to power supply, Mann said uninterrupted electricity had been ensured for agricultural needs, including daytime supply for farmers. He reiterated that public funds were being utilised for welfare-oriented programmes.

On social welfare, he said financial assistance is being provided to women under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.

Mann said the event was not a political rally but an opportunity to directly engage with people, adding that previous governments had “plundered” resources, prompting voters to opt for change.

He also took a swipe at opposition leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing them of focusing on “irrelevant issues” instead of governance.

Reiterating AAP’s agenda, Mann said the government is prioritising sectors such as education, healthcare, power and agriculture, while alleging that opposition parties remain focused on gaining power.

He further criticised former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, alleging that his leadership had not aligned with Punjab’s interests, and said the state was now witnessing rapid progress, particularly in social sectors.

On national issues, Mann criticised the Union government, alleging that it remained disconnected from ground realities and had failed to anticipate challenges such as the LPG and oil crisis.

Earlier, AAP Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia said Mann had emerged as a popular Chief Minister due to his governance initiatives and expressed confidence that the party would return to power with a strong mandate.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Ministers Dr Baljeet Kaur and Dr Balbir Singh, among others, were present on the occasion.