Chandigarh, March 12: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on Wednesday that opposition parties abandoned the Budget debate because they could not justify their opposition to the ₹1,000 financial assistance for women. During the concluding discussion on the 2026-27 fiscal proposals, the Chief Minister asserted that traditional parties are uncomfortable with the economic empowerment of ordinary families.
Describing the annual financial statement as a “Budget of the martyrs’ dreams,” the Chief Minister declared that the government is successfully fulfilling the aspirations of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Udham Singh. He maintained that for the first time in the state’s history, a government has delivered on all election guarantees within a four-year window and is now actively preparing its developmental agenda for the 2027 Assembly elections.
“The opposition already knows that a government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann will return to power in 2027, which is why it chose to run away from the debate,” the Chief Minister stated. He affirmed that his administration treats the budget as a sacred document, noting that manifestos from traditional parties were historically mere formalities.
The Chief Minister noted several key welfare initiatives, including the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar Yojna benefiting 97% of women and the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme providing free rations to 40 lakh families. He also stated that the state is establishing seven new medical colleges in Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Sangrur, and other districts to add 600 MBBS seats, ensuring youth can pursue medical education within Punjab.
Criticizing the track record of rival parties, the Chief Minister asserted that previous governments “consumed Punjab’s childhood, youth, and old age” without a clear development agenda. He maintained that despite earlier predictions that he would not last a year in office, he remains at the helm and will continue to serve past the 2027 polls.
