Chandigarh 11 Aug 2025 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today said that the Punjab Government, following in the footsteps of the great martyrs, is ensuring the development of the state and the welfare of its people, especially the economically weaker and oppressed sections of society.
Addressing a gathering here during the event marking the death anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadhogal, the Chief Minister said that this sacred land has been blessed by the great Guru Sahibs, saints, holy men, pirs, and martyrs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis possess an indelible spirit of hard work, which has enabled them to achieve success in every field. He said that the social bonds in Punjab are so strong that while its fertile soil can grow anything, it can never nurture the seeds of hatred. The Chief Minister said Punjab is the holy land of great Gurus, saints, and prophets who have shown the path of mutual love and tolerance. He said Punjabis have always strengthened love and harmony while opposing oppression, injustice, and tyranny. He added that the state government is making great efforts to realize the dreams of the martyrs so that every citizen can enjoy the fruits of freedom.
The Chief Minister said it is unfortunate that even after more than 75 years of independence, the benefits of freedom have not reached every household. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those in power have misused independence for activities like spreading drug abuse, looting people to amass wealth, and promoting corruption. He said that the dreams of the martyrs remain unfulfilled because these people never made any sincere efforts toward them.
The Chief Minister said Punjabis played a major role in the national freedom struggle and do not need any kind of NOC from those in power to prove their patriotism. He said that such disrespect towards great patriots and national leaders will not be tolerated at any cost. He added that previous governments never cared for the people and destroyed the system, forcing disheartened youth to seek opportunities abroad.
He said it is very unfortunate that due to the indifferent attitude of traditional political parties, the pace of development in the state slowed down. He said the leaders of these parties misused their influence and powers to push the younger generation of the state towards destruction. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders never thought about the welfare of the people, focusing instead on the prosperity of their own families.
During the event, the Chief Minister announced that the Punjab Government will organize historic celebrations to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (Protector of Humanity) Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. He said that comprehensive development will be ensured in the towns and villages blessed by the Guru Sahib, for which a detailed plan has already been prepared. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to preserving the glorious legacy of Guru Sahib for future generations.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government will show no leniency towards the ‘generals’ responsible for the destruction of youth through the scourge of drugs. He said that the ‘generals’ who patronized the drug trade have already been put behind bars. He added that it has also come to light that these leaders not only supported the drug business across the state but even supplied drugs in their official vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that earlier no one dared to arrest these influential leaders, but his government has done so, and such leaders will be made to pay for their sins at all costs.
The Chief Minister said that when he assumed office, only 21% of the state’s agricultural land received canal water for irrigation, but today that figure has risen to 63%. He said that due to the tireless efforts of the government, for the first time in history, canal and river water has reached the tail-end villages of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government is committed to conserving the state’s water resources and is leaving no stone unturned in this regard.
Paying tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadhogal, the Chief Minister said the country will always be indebted to those martyrs who gave up all worldly comforts, wealth, property, and attachments for the sake of the nation and inspired others with their passion for freedom. He said that Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh Ji Dhadhogal was one of those brave souls who considered it their duty to fight against the oppression, atrocities, injustice, and discrimination of powerful regimes, ultimately sacrificing their lives for the nation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji Dhadhogal was a prominent leader of the Praja Mandal movement and a close associate of Seva Singh Thikriwal Ji.
The Chief Minister said that due to his active participation in the Akali movement, Dhadhogal was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. After his release, he also took part in the Gurdwara Reform Movement. He said that after the establishment of the Riyasati Praja Mandal (People’s Association of the Princely States), Dhadhogal emerged as a leading figure and chief spokesperson of the movement.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today the foundation stones of two road projects worth a total of ₹17.21 crore were laid. He said the first road is being built by the Punjab Mandi Board, linking the Dhuri-Amargarh Road to the Dhuri-Chheenta Wala Road via Dhadhogal, Burj Gohra, Burj Seda, Cheema, Bhari Mansa, and Samundgarh Chhanna. Similarly, the second road is being constructed by the Public Works Department, connecting Amargarh to the Dhuri-Bagarian Road via Dhadhogal, Kheri Jattan, Lohar Majra, and EC (Electricity Colony). Bhagwant Singh Mann said these roads will be 18 feet wide, and the contractor will also be responsible for their maintenance for five years.
Summary: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann reaffirmed his commitment to serve Punjab and its people, stating his governance draws inspiration from the sacrifices of the martyrs.