Punjab CM Mann warns Opposition against scrapping AAP welfare schemes, predicts party’s return to power 2027
Babushahi Bureau
Sohal (Gurdaspur), November 15, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday warned opposition parties against expecting the discontinuation of welfare schemes introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, asserting that public money would continue to be spent on the welfare of people.
Addressing a Lok Milni at village Sohal in Gurdaspur, Mann said the people of Punjab stood with his government and predicted that the AAP would return to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Taking a swipe at previous governments, he alleged that they had used public resources to fill their own coffers, whereas his government was spending the state’s money on public welfare. He cited free electricity, more than 71,700 government jobs and the expansion of canal irrigation as key achievements.
“Our intentions are clear, and the government treasury will always remain open for the people of Punjab,” Mann said, adding that welfare initiatives such as free bus travel, Aam Aadmi Clinics and government schools would continue.
He said the government had provided 71,777 jobs on merit and without corruption. He also claimed that canal water utilisation had increased from around 22 per cent before the AAP government took office to 85-86 per cent, with a target of reaching 90 per cent.
Highlighting the government’s performance in education, Mann said Punjab had moved from the 27th position to the top rank in primary education. He claimed that 882 students from government schools had qualified for NEET, compared with 80 in 2021.
On healthcare, he said around 54 lakh families had received health cards under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, while approximately 65 lakh families were eligible for the scheme. He urged the remaining eligible families to obtain their cards to access cashless treatment.
The Chief Minister also announced a grant of ₹51 lakh for development works in village Sohal, saying that his government was committed to addressing local concerns through direct interaction with residents.
Targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Mann criticised its reported efforts to renew ties with the BJP, holding the Centre’s BJP-led government responsible for the deaths of 750 farmers during the agitation against the now-repealed farm laws.
He questioned how the BJP could seek support in Punjab after the farmers’ protest and alleged that an SAD-BJP alliance would put the interests of the state’s farmers at risk. He also criticised the Akali Dal over its record in government and the sacrilege incidents involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Taking aim at the Congress, Mann said its leaders were occupied with internal disputes instead of focusing on Punjab’s development.
The Chief Minister said his government would also establish UPSC coaching centres across Punjab to help young people prepare for civil services examinations without having to move away from their homes.
Appealing to voters to assess political parties on the basis of their performance, Mann said his government wanted to continue its development agenda and build a prosperous Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.