Punjab CM leads ‘Shukrana Yatra’ in Majha region, says those committing beadbi will no longer escape punishment

While leading the ‘Shukrana Yatra’ through Punjab’s Majha region on the second day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that those committing beadbi in Punjab will no longer escape punishment. He asserted that the new anti-beadbi law will ensure no bail after FIRs, life imprisonment, and fines up to ₹50 lakh for offenders.

Pointing out that the previous regime allowed perpetrators of beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji to walk free after hurting the sentiments of the Panth, Mann said the AAP government has now enacted the country’s strictest law to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and preserve communal harmony in the state.

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Launching a blistering attack on the BJP and Akalis, the chief minister asserted that forces trying to divide Sikhs and Hindus for petty political gains will fail before Punjab’s strong tradition of brotherhood and unity. Linking the recent bomb blasts in Jalandhar and Amritsar to the BJP’s political entry tactics in Punjab, he said wherever the BJP goes, it spreads fear, unrest and division before elections.

He also announced that after the anti-beadbi law, the Punjab Government will soon introduce a stringent anti-drug law under which drug smugglers’ properties will be confiscated and easy bail will be completely stopped.

Leading the Yatra from Jalandhar, CM Mann addressed gatherings at Adampur and Kartarpur, stating that the Akalis were involved in acts of beadbi themselves and therefore lacked the moral authority to oppose the law. He stated that earlier governments could also have strengthened the law, but they deliberately failed to do so.

“People kept voting for the Akalis believing they represented Baba Nanak’s ideals, but they disrespected the sacred teachings of the Gurus. Except for the Akalis, the entire Sikh Sangat is welcoming this anti-beadbi law,” asserted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Thanking the people for showering immense love and affection during the Yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he considers himself fortunate that the Almighty entrusted him with the sacred responsibility of enacting a stringent law against beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

The Chief Minister stated that Opposition parties repeatedly claimed the law would never pass, would be blocked by the President, or would not receive the Governor’s approval. However, he said the Punjab Government consulted the country’s best legal experts to ensure the law was constitutionally strong and future-proof.

Targeting the BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that wherever the saffron party comes to power, it shuts down welfare schemes meant for the poor and common people. “They shut down Mohalla Clinics in Delhi and if they come to Punjab, they will do the same here too. These parties are against pro-people initiatives and have a narrow mindset towards public welfare,” he remarked.

He further announced that, having enacted the strict anti-beadbi law, the Punjab government is ready to bring an even harsher law against the drug menace. He said previous governments patronised drug traffickers, allowing the menace to spread across Punjab. “Now, properties of drug smugglers will be confiscated, they will face strict punishment and easy bail will no longer be possible. Earlier many accused even got bail directly from police stations. This system will end,” he asserted.

Striking an emotional chord with the people, Mann said Punjab’s brotherhood and communal harmony can never be broken. “Punjab’s soil is fertile and every seed germinates here, but the seed of hatred can never grow on this land. BJP and Akali Dal try to divide Sikhs and Hindus for votes, but Punjabis have always rejected such politics,” he said.

Referring to the recent explosions in Jalandhar and Amritsar, he said these incidents are signs of BJP’s political entry tactics in Punjab. “Wherever the BJP goes, it spreads unrest and fear. They try to make Sikhs and Hindus fight among themselves, but Punjabis refuse to fall into this trap. Even during the darkest days of militancy, Punjab’s communal harmony remained intact and people celebrated festivals together,” he said.

Cautioning people against divisive politics, the CM said Punjab has already suffered enough dark days and the focus must now remain on development and progress. “For the first time, world-class schools and hospitals are being built in Punjab. We are fully committed to creating a Rangla Punjab and no stone will be left unturned for this cause,” he added.

Addressing another gathering at Kartarpur, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the BJP is trying to push Punjab back into instability and fear ahead of elections, but peace-loving Punjabis will give them a befitting reply. “Before elections, BJP leaders try to create divisions and make people fight among themselves, but such dirty politics will never succeed in Punjab,” he asserted.

He said the state government is continuously working for the state’s prosperity and development. The era of “cuts and commissions” has ended in Punjab, boosting the confidence of industrialists. “Companies like Tata Steel, Godrej and several others are setting up projects in Punjab. Previous governments even sought commissions from roadside dhabas,” he remarked.

Highlighting the Punjab government’s welfare initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said electricity bills for nearly 90% of households have been waived, canals and water channels have been restored, and farmers are receiving uninterrupted daytime electricity. He further said more than 65,000 government jobs have been provided purely on merit without recommendations or corruption.

“The taxpayers’ money belongs to the people and we are spending it honestly on schools, hospitals, roads and development works,” he stated.

CM Mann also urged people to enroll themselves under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which provides cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every family in Punjab. “Government and private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme to ensure quality healthcare for every family,” he said.

Speaking about the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, he said his government has started the scheme to provide ₹1,000 per month to women from other categories families and ₹1,500 per month to women from SC category families above the age of 18 years. “This amount may not make anyone rich, but it will certainly help households and ensure women live with dignity and pride,” he added.