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Moga: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday addressed a massive rally in Moga, blending humour, satire and sharp political attacks as he sought to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections while highlighting his government’s achievements.
Launching a scathing attack on opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann accused their leadership of being disconnected from ground realities. In a sarcastic jibe, he remarked that leaders “wearing overcoats or tight pyjamas” could not understand the struggles of farmers irrigating fields at midnight.
Addressing the ongoing strike by commission agents (arhtiyas), the Chief Minister assured that wheat procurement would remain smooth and farmers’ interests would be fully protected. He announced that arhtiyas who abstain from the strike would be given preference in paddy allotment during the upcoming kharif season. He added that cooperative societies had been identified to step in wherever required, asserting that “every grain will be procured and lifted” despite weather-related challenges.
In a key policy announcement, Mann said the government would roll out a new scheme from April 13 to ensure division (taksim) of agricultural land within 30 days of application, aimed at resolving long-pending disputes among farmers.
Projecting governance as the central plank for 2027, Mann highlighted several achievements of his government, including free electricity to over 90 per cent of households, the provision of around 65,000 jobs, the construction and carpeting of 43,000 km of roads, and the assurance of eight hours of power supply to agriculture, including daytime supply.
He also claimed a major shift towards canal irrigation, stating that its usage had increased from 22 per cent to 78 per cent, with a target of reaching 90 per cent in the coming kharif season. The Chief Minister said underground electricity wiring is being promoted to prevent sparking-caused crop fires, citing an example from his village, where over 1,100 poles are being replaced with underground infrastructure.
Calling education the “panacea for all ills,” Mann said the government is strengthening the school system to improve opportunities for children. He also announced the removal of biometric fingerprint requirements for availing government schemes, citing difficulties faced by labourers whose fingerprints often fade due to manual work.
Highlighting welfare measures, he said around 32 lakh families are being covered under health insurance schemes providing up to Rs 10 lakh coverage, alongside initiatives such as Mohalla Clinics and the removal of toll plazas.
Taking further digs at the opposition, Mann accused rival parties of coming together only to target the Aam Aadmi Party, while questioning the Congress leadership’s connection with Punjab. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also addressed the rally, said the large turnout in Moga indicated that the AAP was poised to return to power in Punjab in 2027 with a strong mandate.
