CM Mann Targets Congress, SAD at Lok Milni: “They Hollowed Out Punjab Like Termites”

Kharar, September 2, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) during a Lok Milni programme in Kharar, Mohali, accusing the two traditional parties of having “hollowed out Punjab like termites” over the decades.

Mann said the political opposition was primarily focused on regaining power, while his government was concentrating on education, healthcare, roads, electricity, water and other public services.

Mann Warns Voters Against Opposition Parties

Addressing the gathering, Mann cautioned that a vote for the opposition could, in his view, put several welfare initiatives of the AAP government at risk.

He claimed that his government had introduced a number of public-oriented measures and argued that the people of Punjab should judge political parties on their record of governance and delivery.

The Chief Minister also described himself as a representative of ordinary people, contrasting his background with what he described as the traditional political establishment.

Sharp Attack on SAD-BJP Possibility

Mann also targeted the Shiromani Akali Dal over speculation about a possible political understanding with the BJP.

He alleged that the Akali leadership was eager to join hands with the BJP to return to power in Punjab. Mann said voters would reject such an alliance, accusing the two parties of having failed Punjab during their previous periods in power.

The comments come ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, making the political messaging at the Lok Milni programme particularly significant.

Congress Also Faces Mann’s Criticism

The Chief Minister accused the Congress of lacking a clear vision for Punjab and said internal differences within the party were preventing it from presenting a united political alternative.

Mann claimed that while opposition leaders were engaged in political infighting, his government was focused on development and public welfare.

Mann Highlights Government’s Development Claims

During the programme, Mann highlighted several initiatives of his government, including free electricity for households, employment opportunities, improvements in education and healthcare, road infrastructure and expansion of canal irrigation.

He claimed that canal irrigation had expanded substantially since his government took office and said the state was investing heavily in bringing canal water to agricultural land.

Mann also claimed that thousands of kilometres of roads were being upgraded and that sports infrastructure was being developed as part of efforts to tackle the drug problem among Punjab’s youth.

Political Battle Intensifies Ahead of 2027

Mann’s remarks reflect the increasingly aggressive political positioning in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

With the AAP government seeking another mandate and the Congress, SAD and BJP looking to strengthen their respective positions, issues including governance, drugs, agriculture, employment and Punjab’s finances are expected to remain central to the political debate.

Key Highlights
CM Bhagwant Mann addressed a Lok Milni programme in Kharar, Mohali.
He accused Congress and SAD of “hollowing out Punjab like termites.”
Mann alleged that SAD was seeking a renewed understanding with the BJP.
He warned that an opposition victory could affect existing AAP welfare schemes.
The CM highlighted his government's work in education, healthcare, electricity, roads and irrigation.
His remarks come ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.