‘Honesty is my greatest wealth’: CM Mann targets BJP, Opposition at Sangrur event
Babushahi Bureau
Ballaran (Sangrur), October 10, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday accused the BJP of using central investigative agencies to pressure him for raising issues concerning Punjab’s rights, while alleging that opposition parties wanted to regain power to exploit the state’s resources.
Addressing a Lok Milni programme in Ballaran village in Sangrur district, Mann said honesty and public service remained the foundation of his politics, asserting that his interests were not in buses, sand, contracts or roadside vending stalls, but in the welfare of Punjab’s three crore people.
“My honesty is my greatest wealth, and the love and trust of three crore Punjabis are my real strength. My stake lies in the joys and sorrows of the people of Punjab,” he said.
Targeting the BJP over the alleged use of central agencies, Mann said he was facing action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) because he was fighting for Punjab’s rights. He asserted that he would not compromise on the state’s interests.
The Chief Minister also criticised traditional opposition parties, alleging that their objective was to regain control over Punjab’s resources rather than serve the people. He said his government was committed to transparent governance and public welfare.
Highlighting employment generation, Mann said his government had provided more than 70,680 government jobs without bribes or political recommendations. He said recruitment was being carried out on merit, breaking with a system in which young people often believed that money or political influence was necessary to secure government employment.
On women’s welfare, Mann said payments under the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna had begun. Under the scheme, eligible women are to receive monthly assistance of ₹1,000, while eligible Scheduled Caste women are to receive ₹1,500, with the assistance transferred directly into their bank accounts.
He said the government had allocated funds for the scheme to strengthen women’s financial independence and provide support to households.
Mann also highlighted the government’s healthcare initiative, stating that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna provides cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family annually. He said the initiative was intended to ensure that financial constraints did not prevent families from accessing medical care.
On education, the Chief Minister said the government was working to improve public schools through teacher training and the development of Schools of Eminence. Citing figures for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), he said the number of government-school students qualifying for the examination had increased from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026.
He described education as essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and expanding opportunities for children from economically weaker families.
On agriculture, Mann said canal irrigation had been expanded to 1,587 villages that had not previously received canal water. He claimed that the area receiving canal irrigation had increased from 20.89 lakh acres in 2022 to 60.30 lakh acres at present, with the government spending ₹7,200 crore on expanding the irrigation network.
He further said approximately 45,000 kilometres of roads were being renovated and upgraded across Punjab. The government was also working to develop 3,100 sports stadiums to improve rural sports infrastructure and encourage young people to participate in sports.
Referring to development in Ballaran and neighbouring Lehal Khurd, Mann announced grants of ₹35 lakh for Ballaran and ₹25 lakh for Lehal Khurd, taking the total to ₹60 lakh.
Recalling his association with Ballaran dating back to 2012, the Chief Minister thanked residents for their continued support. He said his government would ensure that development work in villages did not stall.
“My strength comes from the people of Punjab, and public service will always remain the guiding principle of my government,” Mann said, reiterating his commitment to employment, education, healthcare, irrigation and rural development.