Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, Jan 28: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday declared that Chandigarh belongs exclusively to Punjab, stating that the state has been unfairly deprived of its capital since Independence.
Speaking at the state-level Republic Day function in Hoshiarpur, the Chief Minister noted that despite Punjab’s immense contributions to India’s freedom and food security, it remains the only state without its own dedicated High Court. He mentioned that even smaller states in the North East have their own judicial headquarters and capitals, while Punjab continues to face administrative hurdles.
“Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of Punjab,” the Chief Minister said. He noted that the state government is prepared to fight legal and constitutional battles daily to protect its rights over the capital, Panjab University, and river waters.
The Chief Minister mentioned that conspiracies to snatch the state’s resources would not be tolerated. He noted that Punjabis have made the maximum sacrifices for the country’s Constitution and sovereignty, yet the state continues to face what he described as step-motherly treatment from the Centre.
“In the absence of its own High Court, Punjabis have to suffer a lot due to the huge pendency of cases,” Mann said, adding that the current joint arrangement with Haryana creates unnecessary delays for citizens seeking justice.
Turning to religious heritage, the Chief Minister announced that the 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji will be celebrated with grand state-level arrangements. He mentioned that the commemorations will begin on February 1 and continue until early 2027, following the successful model of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
“The Sikh Guru Sahiban have taught us to stand firm against tyranny and injustice,” the Chief Minister said, noting that his government is following these principles to ensure the state’s interests are safeguarded.
On the governance front, the Chief Minister noted that Punjab has attracted investments worth ₹1.5 lakh crore since 2022, creating over five lakh jobs. He mentioned that the upcoming Punjab Investment Summit, scheduled for March 13 to 15, will further bolster the state’s economy.
The Chief Minister also noted significant progress in public safety, stating that the Sadak Surakhiya Force has successfully reduced road accident deaths by 48 percent. He mentioned that initiatives like ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ are effectively dismantling drug supply chains and restoring peace across the state.
“Punjab is the food bowl and sword arm of the nation,” Mann said, noting that the state contributes over 60 percent to the national food reserves despite facing natural calamities like last year’s floods.
