Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal Renew Pledge to Fulfill Dreams of Martyrs, Criticize Past Regimes
Babushahi Bureau
Sunam, July 31, 2025 —
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to realizing the dreams of martyrs by working tirelessly for the welfare of all sections of society.
The pledge came during an event marking the foundation stone laying of projects worth around ₹85 crore aimed at revamping Shaheed Udham Singh Wala town in Sunam, Punjab. Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal paid homage to the great martyr Shaheed Udham Singh, who sacrificed his life for India's freedom. He expressed pride and satisfaction in taking part in a ceremony commemorating such an iconic revolutionary, underscoring the numerous sacrifices made in India’s freedom struggle to build an equitable society for the disadvantaged.
Keirjwal lamented that despite 75 years of independence, the aspirations of martyrs and the nation’s leaders remain unfulfilled due to misrule and corruption by successive governments. He accused past regimes of ruining Punjab by promoting drug proliferation and corruption, looting public funds, neglecting quality education and healthcare, and allowing drugs to sabotage generations of Punjabis.
Highlighting the state government’s crackdown on drug trafficking, Kejriwal lauded that the backbone of the drug network has been dismantled, with the most notorious and feared drug lord now behind bars under the current administration. He emphasized that such decisive action against drug criminals—many of whom were once politically untouchable—has no parallels in recent Indian history. The commitment to not spare anyone involved in destroying Punjab’s future was firmly stated.
Keirjwal also enumerated the state government’s achievements under Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, including upgrading schools and hospitals, delivering canal water to farmers, building 20,000 kilometers of rural roads, and ensuring judicious utilization of public funds. Warning voters against allowing the return of Congress or Akali-BJP governments, he said these parties would derail Punjab’s development once again.
In his speech, Chief Minister Mann paid tribute to legendary martyrs like Shaheed Udham Singh, stressing the importance of commemorating their legacy by naming airports, universities, and institutions after them. He highlighted Udham Singh’s heroic act of avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by killing Michael O’ Dwyer—the man responsible for the tragedy—which laid foundations for Indian independence.
Mann condemned families who patronized the drug trade and pointed out that the scion of one such family has been incarcerated in Nabha jail. Recalling his visits to Caxton Hall, where Udham Singh carried out his famous act of revenge, Mann lamented that even after 75 years of freedom, the benefits have not reached all households due to misuse of power by corrupt leaders who encouraged drugs and corruption.
Drawing attention to the repetitive but empty speeches by successive Prime Ministers from the Red Fort each Independence Day, Mann said these leaders have failed to translate rhetoric into reality. He stressed that AAP is actively working to fulfill the dreams of martyrs and revolutionaries by ensuring justice, prosperity, and development.
Mann praised the spiritual and revolutionary heritage of Punjab, reminding that the land is sanctified by the footprints of Gurus, saints, and martyrs who taught resistance against tyranny. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the comprehensive progress and welfare of Punjab’s people.
Acknowledging Arvind Kejriwal’s national political contributions, Mann praised his focus on key sectors such as health, education, employment, power, water, and infrastructure, which are also top priorities in Punjab. He contrasted AAP’s progressive agenda with the divisive politics of other parties.
Highlighting the flagship Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Mann proudly announced Punjab as the first state in India to provide cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family, significantly easing healthcare costs for citizens. He detailed ongoing success stories including 55,000 government jobs created for youth, establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics, renovated schools, far-reaching canal water distribution, and free electricity to 90% of households.
The Chief Minister emphasized the innate entrepreneurial spirit of Punjabis and pledged to channel this zeal to build a prosperous “Rangla Punjab.”
On the occasion, Mann and Kejriwal felicitated descendants of Shaheed Udham Singh.
The event also featured Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Singh Cheema, Lalji Singh Bhullar, Dr. Ravjot, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Barinder Kumar Goyal, Hardeep Singh Mundian, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Jai Kishan Singh Rouri, MLAs Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, Prof Baljinder Kaur, among others.
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora welcomed the dignitaries to the sacred land of Shaheed Udham Singh, marking the event as a milestone in Punjab’s journey to honor its revolutionary legacy and accelerate inclusive development.