Mann Hits Out at BJP Over CBI, ED Action, Vows to Protect Punjab’s Rights

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday accused the BJP-led central government of using central investigative agencies to target him for raising issues concerning the state, asserting that he would never compromise on Punjab’s interests or the dignity of its people.

Addressing a ‘Lok Milni’ programme in Ballaran in Sangrur district, Mann said the trust of three crore Punjabis remained his greatest strength and that his politics was guided by honesty and public service. “I am fighting for the rights of Punjab, and that is why the BJP has sent the ED and CBI after me,” he said, alleging that central agencies were being misused to exert political pressure on leaders who raised their voices for the state.

His remarks came after the CBI registered a corruption case involving his officer on special duty and five others, following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and conducted searches at several locations. Mann said he would not surrender Punjab’s rights for personal comfort, adding that his government had provided over 70,680 government jobs without bribes or political recommendations. He also highlighted the ‘Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’, aimed at women’s welfare.

Accusing opposition parties of seeking power to control the state’s resources, Mann said Punjab needed honest leadership, better opportunities for young people and a government that supported citizens during difficult times.

He claimed that more than 90 per cent of households in Punjab were receiving free electricity and that farmers were being supplied power during daytime, making agricultural operations more convenient. The chief minister said his government had taken steps to improve roads, education and healthcare while closing toll plazas to reduce the financial burden on commuters.

According to Mann, the toll plaza closures were helping commuters save approximately Rs 70 lakh daily. He maintained that public money was being used judiciously for welfare and development, rather than benefiting a privileged few. The government, he said, remained committed to fulfilling public aspirations and improving the lives of ordinary families. The BJP and the central agencies have not been quoted responding to Mann’s allegations in the report.