BATHINDA, May 9— Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared on Friday that communal forces are attempting to disrupt the social fabric of Punjab by labeling its patriotic citizens as anti-national. Speaking on the third day of the “Shukrana Yatra” in the Malwa region, the Chief Minister maintained that the state’s heritage of brotherhood would remain resilient against external political pressure.
The Chief Minister started the day by paying obeisance at Sri Damdama Sahib before addressing large gatherings in Talwandi Sabo and Bathinda city. He stated that certain political entities are following a strategy used in other states to polarize communities for electoral gain. CM Mann affirmed that Punjabis, who contributed the most to the nation’s freedom struggle, do not require certificates of patriotism from those who failed to honor the national flag for decades.
During his address, the Chief Minister noted that the newly enacted Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026 serves as a significant deterrent against sacrilege. He maintained that previous administrations lacked the intent to protect the sanctity of religious texts. “Our government is fortunate to have been entrusted with the responsibility of passing this historic legislation,” the Chief Minister stated. He affirmed that the law eliminates loopholes, ensuring that perpetrators and their handlers face life imprisonment.
CM Mann also summarized the state’s developmental progress, stating that over 90 percent of households now receive free electricity. He affirmed that the administration has successfully revived canal water systems, increasing utilization from 21 percent to 68 percent. The Chief Minister declared that taxpayers’ money is now being returned to the public through improved schools, hospitals, and infrastructure rather than being lost to corruption.
