CM Mann Targets Opposition: “Public Money Is Being Spent on People, Yet They Are the Ones in Pain”

Mohali, August 28, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp attack on opposition parties on Friday, accusing them of opposing welfare and development initiatives being implemented by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Addressing a Lok Milni programme at Badmajra village in Mohali, Mann said his government was ensuring that public money was spent directly on the welfare and development of Punjab’s people.

Mann Defends Welfare Schemes

Mann questioned why opposition parties were uncomfortable with initiatives providing people with free electricity, better schools, healthcare and infrastructure.

He alleged that opposition parties had indicated they could discontinue some government schemes if they returned to power. Mann said people would not allow welfare programmes benefiting them to be discontinued.

“I am spending public money on the people, but my opponents are the ones feeling the pain,” Mann said, according to reports of his address.

₹50 Lakh Development Grant for Badmajra

During the Lok Milni programme, Mann announced a ₹50 lakh grant for development works in Badmajra village in Mohali.

He said the government was focusing on using Punjab’s resources for public welfare and accelerating development across the state.

Highlights Education and Healthcare Initiatives

Mann highlighted his government's education and healthcare initiatives, claiming that the number of students from Punjab government schools clearing NEET had increased from 80 in 2021 to 882 in 2026.

He also said that more than 90% of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity, while CM Sehat Yojana cards have been issued to 42 lakh families, according to his remarks reported after the event.

Claims Major Expansion in Canal Irrigation

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's irrigation programme.

According to Mann, canal water has now reached 1,587 villages that had previously not received canal irrigation. He said the state government had spent around ₹7,200 crore to expand canal irrigation.

He further claimed that the area under canal irrigation had increased from around 26% to 80% since his government took office.

Roads and Infrastructure Also in Focus

Mann said the Punjab government was working on the renovation and upgrading of around 45,000 kilometres of roads across the state.

He argued that government resources should be directed towards infrastructure, schools, hospitals, electricity, irrigation and other services that directly affect people's lives.

Sharp Attack on Traditional Parties

The Chief Minister also targeted the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, accusing traditional political parties of failing to improve the lives of ordinary Punjabis during their previous periods in power.

He claimed that governments had changed repeatedly over the past 70 years, but the condition of Punjab's people had not changed sufficiently. Mann said his government was attempting to change that through welfare and development programmes.

He also criticised the Akali Dal over its political position on the farm laws and questioned the party's current political strength in Punjab. These remarks were part of his broader attack on opposition parties during the programme.

Focus on 2027 Elections

With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, Mann's latest remarks carry clear political significance.

He said Punjab voters would not give traditional parties another opportunity and defended the AAP government's record on education, healthcare, electricity, employment and infrastructure.

Key Highlights
CM Bhagwant Mann addressed a Lok Milni programme in Badmajra, Mohali.
He accused opposition parties of opposing welfare and development initiatives.
Mann defended spending public money on schools, hospitals, electricity and infrastructure.
A ₹50 lakh development grant was announced for Badmajra village.
He highlighted growth in government-school students clearing NEET.
Mann claimed more than 90% of Punjab households receive free electricity.
He highlighted the expansion of canal irrigation and road infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also launched a strong political attack on opposition parties ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Conclusion

CM Bhagwant Mann's latest comments combine a defence of the AAP government's welfare policies with a strong political attack on Punjab's opposition parties.

While Mann says government funds are being directed towards public welfare and development, opposition parties continue to scrutinise the government's policies and spending. With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, such political exchanges are expected to intensify.

NewsDesk7.com will continue to track major political developments in Punjab.