Sri Chamkaur Sahib: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday launched a strong attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing it of looting Punjab during its years in power and pursuing politics only for self-interest.
Responding to opposition taunts in the Assembly, Mann said his party had emerged because people were weary of pain and exploitation. “If their governance had been good and Punjab had not been looted, there would have been no need for us to take charge,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister highlighted his government’s employment record, claiming that more than 55,000 youths had been given government jobs purely on merit. He contrasted this with previous regimes, which he alleged brought only “destruction and grief” to families.
Turning his criticism directly at the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann said the party had splintered into multiple factions. “I don’t even understand which one is the real Akali Dal,” he quipped, asserting that people had struggled hard to free Punjab from their grip.
Mann stressed that while past governments fought only for power, his administration is focused on improving the lives of ordinary Punjabis.
