Hoshiarpur, Jan 26 (NationPress) During the Republic Day celebration, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly hoisted the national tricolor and reflected on the state's unparalleled contributions to India's freedom movement, as well as its ongoing significance as the nation’s food bowl and sword arm.

The Chief Minister highlighted the long-standing injustice of Punjab lacking its rightful capital and a separate High Court since gaining independence. He asserted that efforts to diminish Punjab's rightful claims to Chandigarh, Panjab University, and its water resources would not prevail. He emphasized that the state would persistently seek legal and constitutional avenues to safeguard its rights.

Linking governance with cultural heritage, CM Mann commemorated the historic 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur and declared Amritsar Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as sacred cities. He announced that from February 1 to February 20, 2027, the state would celebrate the 650th Parkash Parv of Guru Ravidas through state-level initiatives.

He emphasized strong governance measures such as decisive actions against drugs, gangsters, and narco-drones under initiatives like ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan Te Vaar’, universal healthcare coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh, over 63,000 government jobs awarded without corruption, and a significant decrease in road accident fatalities via the Sadak Surakhiya Force.

CM Mann also voiced concerns regarding recent changes to MGNREGA affecting Scheduled Caste and landless families, while mentioning record investments of Rs 1.5 lakh crore generating 5.2 lakh jobs. He announced the upcoming Punjab Investment Summit scheduled for March 13 to 15.

Speaking to the assembled crowd, CM Mann stated, “Despite Punjab's significant contributions to our nation, it still lacks a capital. Since independence, our state has been unjustly deprived of it. Daily, conspiracies arise to strip Punjab of its capital, Panjab University, and its water rights. This will never be tolerated.”

“Chandigarh was, is, and will forever be an inseparable part of Punjab, and the state government will exert every effort to reclaim its capital,” he declared.

Expressing disappointment over the absence of a separate High Court, the Chief Minister lamented that it is unfortunate Punjab does not have its own High Court, especially when smaller states in the northeast have their capitals.

“Without our own High Court, Punjabis suffer immensely due to the backlog of cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court,” he added.

In his address, CM Mann extended his greetings to all Punjabis and citizens nationwide, honoring the countless freedom fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for India's independence.