The Fact News Service
Barnala/Chandigarh, November 13
In a powerful address at election rallies in Sanghera and Dhanaula of Barnala Assembly constituency, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann focused on the achievements of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, highlighting developmental strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public welfare. Mann also attacked the opposition for looting and misleading people for so long.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann thanked the people of Barnala for their continued support and assured them that the AAP government is committed to their welfare. “We are here to work and bring real change,” said CM Mann, saying that the government’s approach is guided by a clear intention to serve the people.
CM Bhagwant Mann strongly criticized the central government for its failure to help with stubble management and its lack of support for Punjab’s farmers. “Some people from Pakistan’s Punjab are saying that our smoke is polluting their air, then some are saying this smoke is going to Delhi, etc. It cannot be true that all the smoke is coming from our side,” Mann said. “But let me tell you, air pollution doesn’t know any borders. Other states cultivate paddy too. We are facing the same problem, and while we are doing everything we can to tackle it, the central government is not helping us.”
He further highlighted the need for crop diversification to reduce the environmental impact but pointed out the central government’s indifference. “We are encouraging our farmers to diversify crops and move away from burning stubble, but the central government has failed to provide any incentives or support for these efforts,” he added. “If they truly cared about Punjab and the environment, they would offer assistance to our farmers and help us tackle pollution in a meaningful way.”
During rallies MP Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, AAP candidate Harinder Singh Dhaliwal, AAP’s cabinet ministers, many MLAs and party office bearers were also present.
The CM addressed various issues, starting with the improvements in Punjab’s education system. “The results in our schools are improving, and our children are now topping the exams,” said Mann. “We’ve not only worked on infrastructure but also on training teachers who are committed to the cause.” He pointed out how the teaching community has transformed, with teachers now engaging with students in schools, rather than being stuck in administrative tasks.
Speaking on healthcare, CM Mann highlighted the efforts made to ensure quality healthcare facilities through the creation of Mohalla Clinics. “Our government has ensured that medicines prescribed by doctors in government clinics and hospitals are available at no extra cost, right at the hospitals themselves,” he said. He also mentioned the government’s move to ensure that doctors personally deliver any medicine required from outside, sparing patients the hassle.
One of the key achievements Mann proudly shared was that 90% of households in Punjab are getting zero electricity bills, with significant improvements in the power supply to rural areas, especially the timely delivery of electricity for farming.
On the political front, CM Mann took a jibe at the opposition, particularly the BJP and Congress, stating that these parties are only interested in creating distractions and fighting amongst themselves. “They fight amongst each other, but they can never match the work we are doing for Punjab.”
Mann also spoke about the employment opportunities provided by his government, highlighting that he gave 45,000 government jobs to youth, and assured that more would be available soon in departments like the police. He proudly mentioned the introduction of the new force SSF and new vehicles for the police department to improve efficiency and response times, alongside a reduction of 45% in road accidents.
CM Bhagwant Mann also paid tribute to the freedom fighters who fought for us and said that they inspire us. “Kartar Singh Sarabha sacrificed his life for the freedom of our country at just the age of 19. Today, we too are fighting for the future of Punjab. We are fighting for clean air, a healthy environment, and a better tomorrow for our children. Their sacrifices should inspire us to keep working towards a brighter future for Punjab.” He added that our freedom fighters like Kartar Singh Sarabha didn’t sacrifice his life so that people like Kewal Dhillon could loot us.
During his address at the Dhanaula rally, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people for their continued support. He highlighted the significant financial investment that has been directed towards the development of Dhanaula, urging local committees to ensure that the funds are used effectively for the region’s growth. “Do not think of it as the government’s money; it is the people’s money,” he said.
CM Mann also referred to the remarkable achievement in Rajgarh, where, after 40 years, irrigation water was finally made available, a testament to his government’s commitment to fulfilling long-neglected promises. He noted that it was the people’s support that had elevated him to prominence at a young age. “You made me famous when I was just 17-and-a-half years old,” he said, acknowledging the bond he shares with the people.
Mann further stressed that his government is not afraid of hard work and remains dedicated to serving the people. He took a dig at the opposition, stating that the reason people have rejected parties like the Congress and BJP is because these parties remain disconnected from the ground realities and the concerns of the people. “We are just like you, and we are here for you,” he said.
The CM also assured that the AAP government is committed to improving the welfare of the people, mentioning the implementation of the “One MLA, One Pension” scheme as an example of the government’s proactive approach.
Concluding his speech, CM Mann called for continued support from the people of Barnala in the upcoming elections. “Our election symbol is the broom,” he said. “On the 20th, press the broom button, and don’t look at any other buttons – or you may end up with the same old problems.”
Mann also urged the voters to remember that the AAP government is committed to serving them, with all decisions focused on bettering the lives of the people. “If we wanted to make money, we would have done so in our previous careers,” he stated. “But we are here to work for you.”
Meet Hayer praises Barnala’s infrastructure transformation under Mann government, Calls for electing Harinder Dhaliwal to keep progress going
Sangrur MP Meet Hayer, in his address, spoke passionately about the significant changes that have occurred in the Barnala district after decades of neglect. “For 35 years, our region received no funds and was ignored by previous governments,” said Hayer. “But in just two and a half years, we have brought real change. Sanghera has received more funds than ever before, including a substantial sum of ₹13 crore, a remarkable improvement from the past.”
Hayer also stressed on crucial infrastructure projects, including the modernization of Barnala’s drainage system. The MP revealed that the canal department had received ₹300 crore for works in Barnala, now people of Barnala are getting water from the Harigarh Canal. “We are working tirelessly to fix the infrastructure that was long ignored,” Hayer added. He urged the people to elect AAP candidate Harinder Singh Dhaliwal so that the works of development can continue without any trouble.
We are seeking votes based on work, they are asking for votes through manipulation: Harinder Singh Dhaliwal
AAP candidate Harinder Singh Dhaliwal said that we are seeking votes in this by-election based on the works done by the Mann government, my opponents are asking for votes by criticising others. The difference is clear, so support us so that more work can be done for the development of Barnala. He said that the ‘jharoo’ button will be at number one on the voting machine and urged the people to ensure the ‘jharoo’ is elected at number one as well.”
