Sangrur: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, during a visit to his native village in Sangrur on Thursday, urged people to avoid electing candidates who rely on money or power in the upcoming panchayat elections. Instead, he encouraged unanimous elections, saying, “Any village that elects its panchayat unanimously will receive a grant of Rs 5 lakh, along with a stadium, school, or hospital.”
The Chief Minister’s remarks follow a controversial sarpanch auction in Hardowal Kalan, Gurdaspur, where bids for the sarpanch seat reached Rs 2 crore, initiated by local BJP leader and former sarpanch Atma Singh, who ultimately made the highest offer of Rs 2 crore.
While speaking about the importance of holding the elections without party symbols, stating that it would prevent factionalism and promote balanced rural development, he said: “Panchayat elections are the foundation of the democratic system, and people must make a consensus about the candidates to be elected.”
He assured the villagers, “No stone will be left unturned for the development of my native village,” while urging others to follow the example by electing their panchayats unanimously.
He reiterated his commitment to holding free and peaceful elections, saying, “The state government is committed to conducting these elections in a fair manner, ensuring no one uses money or force.”
He further noted the government’s focus on job creation, with over 44,000 youth receiving government jobs, and promised, “No central law depriving people of work will be implemented in Punjab.”
