Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday accused the BJP-led Centre of targeting him through the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate for raising issues linked to Punjab’s rights. He said he would never compromise on the state’s interests or the dignity of its people.
Speaking at a Lok Milni programme in Ballaran in Sangrur, Mann said the “trust of three crore Punjabis” was his real strength and that his politics was guided by honesty and public service. His remarks came after the CBI registered a corruption case involving his officer on special duty and five others on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and carried out raids at several places.
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“I am fighting for the rights of Punjab, and that is why the BJP has sent the ED and CBI after me,” Mann said, alleging that the BJP was “misusing” central agencies to put political pressure on those who spoke up for the state. He added, “Those who raise their voice for Punjab and refuse to compromise on its interests are being subjected to political pressure. But I will never surrender the rights of Punjab or the dignity of its people for personal comfort.”
The chief minister said his government had given more than 70,680 jobs without bribes or recommendations and had launched the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna for the welfare of women in the state. “My honesty is my greatest wealth, and the love and trust of three crore Punjabis are my real strength. My stake is not in buses, sand, contracts or roadside vending stalls. My stake lies in the joys and sorrows of the people of Punjab. Their hopes are my responsibility, and their struggles are my own. I entered politics to serve the people, and public service will always remain the guiding principle of my government,” he said.
Mann also attacked the Opposition, saying it wanted power not to serve Punjab but to regain control of the state’s resources and use them for its own interests. “Punjab has suffered enough under politics driven by vested interests. The people want honest leadership, opportunities for their children and a government that stands beside them in difficult times. Our government is committed to fulfilling these aspirations rather than serving a privileged few,” he said. He said that for the first time in Punjab, young people were getting government jobs without bribes or political recommendations.
He said every rupee collected from taxpayers was being used carefully for public welfare. More than 90 per cent of households in Punjab were getting free electricity, while farmers were receiving power during the daytime, he said. Mann added that his government had worked to reduce the financial burden on families and improve public services through better roads, education and healthcare, and by shutting toll plazas, which he said was helping commuters save about Rs 70 lakh daily. “Public money must serve public interests. Our government is working to ensure that the benefits of development reach ordinary families rather than being confined to a privileged few,” he said. In essence, Mann used the event to defend his government, link the action against his aide to political pressure, and repeat that his administration was focused on jobs, welfare and public services in Punjab.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
