Declaring that Punjab’s future can no longer be held hostage to the mistakes and misdeeds of the past regimes, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said the state has suffered immensely over the decades but is now moving steadily towards a new era of growth, opportunity and prosperity. During a Lok Milni at Bhattlan village in the Tanda constituency, the Chief Minister said Punjab, despite being blessed with fertile land, abundant water resources, a favourable climate and a hardworking people, was denied its full potential by successive governments that failed to put the interests of the state first.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government is committed to creating opportunities for the youth, strengthening education and healthcare, and building a Rangla Punjab where no young person feels compelled to leave for foreign shores in search of a better future.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to justice, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured people that past Beadbi (sacrilege) cases would be thoroughly investigated and those responsible would be sent to jail, while adding that the stringent law enacted by the state government would act as a strong deterrent against any future incidents.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The incidents of Beadbi at Bargari and the firing incidents at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura bruised the conscience of every Punjabi, especially the Sikh Sangat. These wounds are still fresh in the minds of the people. I want to assure every Punjabi that justice will prevail and those responsible for these heinous crimes will not be spared.”
The Chief Minister said, “Our government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice. The perpetrators of these crimes will be brought to justice and sent behind bars. We have enacted the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026, which provides stringent punishment for Beadbi. This law will ensure that no one dares to commit such an unpardonable offence in future.”
“Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh. It is our collective duty to uphold its sanctity and respect. If a government cannot safeguard the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, then it fails in its most fundamental responsibility towards society,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Taking on the Akali leadership, the Chief Minister said, “Those who sought votes in the name of Gurbani failed to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They used religion for political gains and the people of Punjab have not forgotten the pain caused by the incidents that occurred during their rule.”
He pointed out, “Some leaders talk about development during their tenure, but they conveniently forget Bargari, Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura. Punjab can never forget those painful chapters. The sins committed against the people and against Punjab’s social fabric can never be erased.”
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, MLAs Jasbir Singh Raja Gill and Karambir Singh Ghuman, along with several other dignitaries, were also present.