Chandigarh, March 12: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday unanimously passed the Rs 2,60,437 crore state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year following a four-hour debate marked by sharp political exchanges. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann concluded the session by asserting that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has secured its political future through the fulfillment of key guarantees, including financial assistance for women and expanded healthcare.
“We will win in 2027 and then again in 2032 and 2037,” the Chief Minister declared, noting that his administration has delivered on promises such as the free Teerath Yatra scheme and the establishment of new medical colleges. He maintained that the government is currently celebrating Guru Ravidas’ 650th anniversary with significant state honors.
During his address, the Chief Minister directed pointed criticism toward the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress. He likened the Congress party to a “wedding procession without a groom” due to their lack of a defined leadership face for upcoming elections. Regarding the SAD, he asserted that the party was heading toward “political oblivion” in a manner similar to the extinction of dinosaurs.
While the treasury benches lauded the “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar” yojana, the session saw thin attendance from the opposition. Only three non-ruling MLAs—Manpreet Singh Ayali (SAD rebel), Nachattar Pal (BSP), and Rana Inder Pratap Singh (Independent)—remained for the duration of the debate, which was skipped by Congress and BJP legislators.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that revenue receipts have doubled under the current tenure. “In four years, all guarantees made to people have been fulfilled,” the Finance Minister affirmed, adding that budgetary allocations for the police have been increased to strengthen internal security.
Separately, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak moved a resolution expressing concern over the Union Government’s foreign policy regarding the West Asia conflict and its impact on energy security. Additionally, GG&IT Minister Aman Arora noted that the state would engage the Centre to establish social media regulations for minors.
