Punjab has been unlawfully deprived of its capital since Independence; Chandigarh is & will remain ours: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

HOSHIARPUR : Unfurling the national Tricolour in Hoshiarpur on Republic Day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann coupled the ceremonial occasion with a firm assertion of Punjab’s constitutional rights and a detailed account of his government’s governance record. Recalling Punjab’s unmatched sacrifices in India’s freedom struggle and its continuing role as the country’s Food Bowl and Sword Arm, the Chief Minister said the state has been unjustly denied its rightful capital and a separate High Court since Independence, and made it clear that attempts to undermine Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh, Panjab University and its water rights would not succeed. He underlined that Punjab would continue to pursue legal and constitutional remedies every day to protect its interests.

Linking governance with heritage and faith, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled the historic commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the declaration of Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, and announced that the 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji would be celebrated on similar lines through state-level programmes from February 1 this year to February 20, 2027.

Highlighting the direction of governance, the Chief Minister pointed to decisive action against drugs, gangsters and narco-drones under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan Te Vaar’, universal healthcare coverage of up to ₹10 lakh, more than 63,000 government jobs provided without bribes, and a sharp reduction in road accident fatalities through the Sadak Surakhiya Force. He also expressed concern over changes to MGNREGA affecting Scheduled Caste and landless families, cited record investments of ₹1.5 lakh crore generating 5.2 lakh jobs, and announced the Punjab Investment Summit from March 13 to 15.

Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Despite the tremendous contribution towards the country and its people, Punjab does not have its own capital. Since Independence, Punjab has been unlawfully deprived of it. To worsen the situation, conspiracies are hatched daily to deprive the state of its capital, Panjab University, waters and other rights. This will never be allowed. Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of Punjab and the state government will make all-out efforts to take back its capital.”

Expressing anguish over the absence of a separate High Court, the Punjab Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that Punjab does not have its own High Court whereas small states in the North East have their own capitals. “In the absence of its own High Court, Punjabis have to suffer a lot due to the huge pendency of cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court,” he said.

Extending heartfelt greetings to all Punjabis and citizens across the country, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann paid homage to thousands of patriotic freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during India’s freedom struggle.

Saluting the brave soldiers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Chief Minister recalled their stellar role in safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country. “On this day in 1950, the Constitution of the country came into force. This is a very special day for all Indians. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that we are proud citizens of the world’s largest democracy,” he said.

On the sacred occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann bowed in reverence to the invaluable contribution of the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, in framing the Constitution. He said Punjabis take pride in the fact that the maximum sacrifices in the freedom struggle were made by Punjabi warriors. “The inspiration to stand firm against tyranny, injustice and oppression is ingrained in every Punjabi from the teachings of our revered Gurus,” he said.

Recalling historic movements, the Chief Minister said freedom movements such as the Kuka Movement, Babbar Akali Movement, Ghadar Movement, Komagata Maru incident and Pagri Sambhal Jatta were led by Punjabis. “National heroes like Baba Maharaj Singh, Baba Ram Singh, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Madan Lal Dhingra, Diwan Singh Kalepani and hundreds of others laid down their lives for the freedom of India,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjabis have made an exemplary contribution to the nation’s progress and have always been at the forefront in safeguarding the country and making it self-reliant in food production.

Highlighting the role of farmers, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s farmers are the nation’s food providers whose hard work and resilience ensure that no one sleeps hungry. “Punjab contributes more than 60 percent to the nation’s food reserves. Even during last year’s devastating floods, Punjab’s farmers contributed 156 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the central pool,” he said, adding that because of the contribution of Punjab’s farmers and soldiers, the state is aptly called the “Food Bowl and Sword Arm of the Nation.”

Paying tribute to those who helped the state recover from floods, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he salutes all valiant heroes who put Punjab back on track despite heavy floods. “Despite such a huge natural catastrophe, the state was on its feet within a few hours,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that for the sake of the country, Punjab has sacrificed its fertile land and water resources, which are its only available natural resources. “Despite the greatest sacrifices, Punjab continues to face injustice and discrimination and is being forced to wage legal, legislative and administrative battles to secure its rights,” he said.

Stating that Punjab is being meted out step-motherly treatment, Bhagwant Singh Mann said conspiracies are being hatched to snatch its rights. “An attempt was made to curtail Punjab’s legal rights over BBMB and waters, but the state government did not allow it to succeed,” he said.

Expressing concern over changes in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Chief Minister said the Centre has renamed and altered the structure of the scheme, which will snatch livelihoods from Scheduled Caste workers, women and landless families. “Punjab has the highest proportion of Scheduled Caste population in the country. This new law will prove disastrous for the SC community,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that at present 19.85 lakh families are registered as MGNREGA workers in Punjab, out of which 12.65 lakh belong to the Scheduled Caste community. “The state government is fighting this war against the Centre through legislation and courts,” he said.

He also said that the Centre has withheld Rural Development Fund (RDF) funds meant for rural development despite the clear demarcation of Centre–State rights in the Constitution.

Asserting Punjab’s resolve, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab has to fight every day to get its rights from the Centre. Let me make it very clear that Punjabis have never bowed down, and they never will in the future.”

Warning divisive forces, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said false propaganda is being spread to divide Punjabis, but the state government will never allow such designs to succeed. He issued a stern warning to gangsters and their sympathisers trying to disturb peace to abandon the path of crime or be ready to face consequences. “A crackdown against gangsters, ‘Gangsteraan Te Vaar’ is underway. Their supporters will also not be spared. No leniency will be shown to lawbreakers. Peace, unity and brotherhood will be maintained at all costs, and the state government is duty-bound to ensure this,” he said.

Listing initiatives taken by the Punjab Government over the last four years, the Chief Minister said the Punjab government is committed to delivering governance that fulfils the dreams of martyrs.