As Ludhiana gears up for the by-election on June 19, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been camping in the city for the past three days, holding a series of public meetings and sharpening his attack on the opposition. Even late last night, Mann addressed a large gathering, using the platform to strongly criticise his opponents. Joining him on the campaign trail is cricketer-turned-Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, who is also canvassing in support of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate.
In his speech, Mann directly targeted Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu without naming him, saying, “Ashu’s arrogance and anger are at their peak. If he behaves like this now, what will he do if elected again? The government is ours. Even if he wins, he’ll just spend the next year and a half abusing me—what good will that do for the public?” Mann further alleged, “When he was a minister, he did nothing but insult the common people.”
Mann also recalled the passing of former MLA Gurpreet Gogi, saying, “The very day Gogi passed away, opposition parties began holding meetings to plan for the by-election. Elections come and go, but a person who goes to God doesn’t return. This shows their arrogance.”
“Opposition Is Campaigning with Arrogance, We Ask for Votes with Love”
Mann accused the opposition of running an ego-driven campaign. “They chant slogans like ‘Ashu is essential’, but who is he really? Earlier, people had no choice but to vote for him. Now, they have an honest alternative in our AAP candidate,” he said.
Urging voters to choose leaders who solve real issues rather than get entangled in internal party conflicts, Mann warned people not to even look at the pictures of the other candidates. “Their faces are a reminder of the corruption that has looted Punjab for years,” he said.
Harbhajan Singh Highlights Education and Sports Achievements
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh highlighted the development work carried out under the Mann government. “The AAP government is working sincerely for Punjab. Whether it’s road improvement, canal bridges, or the revamp of Ludhiana’s railway station, important infrastructure work is underway,” he said.
Harbhajan also showcased the government’s significant achievements in education and sports, calling them “historic” milestones that signal the government’s commitment to the people of Punjab.