‘BJP Killed Over 700 Farmers’: CM Mann attacks BJP-Akali Alliance at Rakhar Punya, says Punjab will reply in election; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Baba Bakala Sahib (Punjab), August 28, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp attack on the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal at the state-level Rakhar Punya function in Baba Bakala Sahib on Friday, accusing the BJP of being responsible for the deaths of more than 700 farmers during the agitation against the three farm laws and warning that Punjab would give the party a “befitting reply” in the coming elections.
Mann also targeted the Akali Dal over reports of a possible alliance with the BJP, alleging that the two parties were now seeking to come together solely to regain power in Punjab.
“The Akali Dal is now begging for an alliance with the BJP, whose hands were drenched with the murder of more than 700 farmers who attained martyrdom during the protest against the draconian anti-farmer laws,” Mann said.
He alleged that a BJP-Akali alliance would have no ideology or agenda for public welfare and would be aimed only at capturing power.
‘BJP Cannot Dream of Winning Punjab’
Mann said the BJP might win elections in other parts of the country but should not expect to form a government in Punjab.
He accused the BJP of humiliating farmers during the farm-law protests and alleged that the party had consistently treated Punjab and its people unfairly.
Mann further alleged that the BJP was attempting to deprive Punjab of its legitimate rights over issues including Panjab University, Chandigarh, the Bhakra Dam and river waters. He also accused the Centre of withholding the state's legitimate share of grants.
He claimed that the BJP would not win even a single seat in Punjab and said voters would respond to what he described as the party's “misdeeds”.
Attack on Akalis Over Beadbi, Drug Trade
Taking aim at the Akali Dal, Mann accused previous Akali governments of mishandling the issue of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the subsequent police firing on protesters.
He also alleged that the Akali governments had patronised mafias and allowed the drug trade to flourish in Punjab.
Mann described Akali leaders as being more concerned about their political interests than the interests of Punjab and Punjabis.
He also took a dig at leaders holding political rallies during Rakhar Punya, accusing them of using religion to mislead people and seeking public sympathy.
₹181.50 Crore ‘Sanman Rashi’ for 5.30 Lakh Women
At the event, Mann highlighted his government's Mukh Mantri Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, announcing that ₹181.50 crore had been credited as three months' “Sanman Rashi” to the accounts of 5.30 lakh women.
He said 70.92 lakh women had benefited from the scheme so far and that the government was working to connect one crore women with the scheme.
Mann said 1.38 lakh Satkar Sakhis who assisted women with registration had already received ₹51 crore in incentives, while ₹25 crore would be provided to Anganwadi workers who helped with the registration process.
Mann Highlights Jobs, Education and Free Power
The Chief Minister also listed several achievements of his government, saying 70,840 jobs had been provided to youth so far.
On education, he said the number of students from Punjab government schools clearing NEET had increased from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026.
Mann also claimed that more than 90% of households in Punjab were receiving free electricity, while farmers were being provided electricity during the daytime.
He said canal water had reached the fields of 1,587 villages that had previously not received canal irrigation, while around 45,000 kilometres of roads were being renovated or upgraded.
According to Mann, the government had spent ₹7,200 crore to expand canal irrigation, increasing the area under canal irrigation from 26% to 80%.
He also highlighted the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which he said every resident family in Punjab would receive cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh.
‘Congress Has No Vision for Punjab’
Mann also targeted the Congress, alleging that its leaders were divided and were primarily fighting among themselves for power.
He said the AAP government was instead focused on education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure and tackling drug abuse.
He claimed that 3,100 sports stadiums were being constructed across Punjab as part of efforts to divert youth from drugs and promote sports.
Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Dr Baljeet Kaur, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Hardeep Singh Mundian, along with Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal, were among those present at the event.