Ludhiana/Chandigarh, March 18
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed a large gathering in Ludhiana today, emphasizing the transformative impact of Aam Aadmi Party's governance in Punjab and its commitment to fulfilling the dreams of the nation's martyrs.
AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, AAP Punjab President Aman Arora, Cabinet Ministers, AAP MLAs, many leaders and thousands of people were present in the rally.
Starting his address, Mann paid homage to the land of Kartar Singh Sarabha, a revolutionary who laid down his life for the country at the young age of 19. Recalling Sarabha’s inspiration to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Mann said, "We are here to fulfill the dreams of the martyrs who envisioned a prosperous and just India."
Mann lauded AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, crediting him with revolutionizing the political narrative in India by making education and healthcare core elements of party manifestos. “Earlier, political manifestos didn’t even mention schools and hospitals. It was Kejriwal who changed this, bringing people-centric issues to the forefront of national politics,” Mann stated.
Praising Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, Mann said, “Kejriwal ji, an IRS officer who left his career for the betterment of the nation, his vision is being implemented today, and the results are evident. His soldiers, including ministers and party leaders, are working tirelessly to deliver on his promises.” Mann also highlighted the fear that Kejriwal has instilled in corrupt politicians. “Big leaders who looted India and Punjab for decades are now scared of Arvind Kejriwal’s rising popularity. He is a leader who works for the people,” he said.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a fierce attack on the Badals and the Akali Dal during his address, accusing them of betraying Punjab and its people during their rule. “The Badals treated Punjab like their personal property, pushing the state into economic and social ruin. Their reign saw the rise of drugs and mafia raj, which devastated countless families,” Mann said. He added that the Akali Dal, now desperate for relevance, has no moral standing today.
Highlighting his government's work against drug abuse, Mann explained the multi-pronged approach adopted to tackle this menace. “We started by ensuring rehabilitation centers were stocked with medicines. Then, we identified hotspots where drugs were being sold and initiated strict police action against smugglers. Transfers were carried out in the police force to eliminate nexus and ensure impartial action,” he said.
Mann also shared an incident about dismantling a drug racket in Narangwal village, where a woman openly challenged the authorities. "We acted swiftly, raided the premises, and demolished the house. The villagers expressed their gratitude and celebrated this step by visiting the Gurudwara," he narrated.
Highlighting his government’s resolve, Mann declared that strict action would be taken against those involved in NDPS cases. “Those who brought drugs into our villages and destroyed generations will not be spared. The law will take its course, and justice will prevail,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister talked about the issue of Tehsildars, reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption. “We are taking strict action against corrupt officials, including those indulging in bribery. Transfers are being carried out to ensure that officials serve the people instead of exploiting them,” Mann declared.
Speaking about the challenges faced during governance, Mann said, “Transformations take time. Whether it is ensuring uninterrupted power supply or eradicating drug addiction, we have a detailed plan in place. We are committed to bringing long-lasting change in Punjab.”
Mann emphasized that AAP’s journey is fueled by the immense love and support of the people. “When you receive such overwhelming love from the public, fatigue disappears. Your support motivates us to continue working tirelessly,” he said.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann praised AAP MP Sanjeev Arora for his dedicated work for Punjab. Sanjeev Arora is an AAP candidate for Ludhiana West by-election. Mann stated, "Sanjeev Arora is a leader who truly understands the needs of the people and works tirelessly to address them. He is always on the ground, ensuring that the voices of Punjab are heard at the highest levels. His commitment to public service and work in the health sector is commendable, and he has set a strong example for others in politics."