Batala, April 16 (NationPress) In a significant move, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has initiated a transformative agenda for one of Punjab's most historic cities, Batala, unveiling development projects worth Rs 177 crore. This initiative combines extensive infrastructure upgrades with a pointed political commentary directed at prior administrations.

The comprehensive plan allocates over Rs 95.72 crore for initiatives from the Municipal Corporation (MC), Rs 16.05 crore from the Mandi Board, and Rs 65.09 crore for road construction through the Public Works Department (PWD). It also includes fresh repair undertakings amounting to Rs 42.56 crore and Rs 34.97 crore, featuring new bridges, a contemporary bus station aimed at alleviating traffic issues, and a Rs 14.81 crore investment in establishing new police lines.

Declaring this development initiative a clear departure from previous governance, CM Mann emphasized that the people of Punjab concluded “three generations of Akali-Congress exploitation” in 2022 and are determined to prevent their resurgence in 2027. He accused former governments of weakening “anti-beadbi” laws to shield themselves from accountability.

He criticized traditional political parties, suggesting their disconnect from the populace is a key reason for their rejection, as his administration strives to marry governance with accountability.

After laying the foundation stone for several pivotal projects, CM Mann remarked, “Akalis had intentionally crafted inadequate laws against beadbi to ensure that those guilty of the heinous act evaded punishment.”

He added, “These leaders feared that they, too, would face consequences for their actions, leading them to ensure that the laws remained feeble.”

The Chief Minister announced that the state government has enacted the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which imposes stricter penalties for beadbi offenses.

“The malicious act of beadbi against Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji was a calculated scheme to disrupt the hard-won peace, brotherhood, and communal harmony within the state,” he stated.

CM Mann assured that the Bill would guarantee stringent measures against offenders, asserting, “Now, anyone convicted of this unforgivable crime will face severe repercussions as a warning to others.”

He further emphasized, “If Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not safeguarded in our state, then where can it find safety?” calling this legislation a historic step towards combating beadbi.

Taking a jab at the Akali Dal's self-proclaimed ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’, CM Mann quipped, “This so-called campaign is actually a ‘parivar bachao yatra’ aimed solely at protecting their family interests.”

He challenged Akali leaders, asking, “After pillaging the state for 15 years, whom are they attempting to save?”

He accused the Akali party of mercilessly exploiting the state, damaging the emotional well-being of Punjabis, and supporting various criminal elements.