Batala, April 16 (IANS) One of Punjab’s most historic cities, Batala, is set for a major transformation as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday rolled out development projects of Rs 177 crore, combining large-scale infrastructure expansion with a sharp political message against previous regimes. ​

With over Rs 95.72 crore of works by the Municipal Corporation (MC), Rs 16.05 crore by the Mandi Board, and Rs 65.09 crore in road construction by the PWD, alongside fresh repair works worth Rs 42.56 crore and Rs 34.97 crore, the push includes new bridges, a modern bus stand to ease traffic congestion, and a Rs 14.81 crore allocation for new police lines. ​

Declaring the development drive as a decisive break from the past, CM Mann said the people of Punjab had ended “three generations of Akali-Congress loot” in 2022 and would not allow their return in 2027, while accusing previous governments of deliberately weakening “anti-beadbi” laws to protect themselves. ​

He also targeted traditional parties, saying their disconnect from ordinary citizens reflects why people have rejected them, as his government moves to combine governance delivery with accountability. ​

Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of several key development projects, CM Mann stated, “Akalis had deliberately framed weak law against beadbi just to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime were not punished for their sins.” ​

He added, “These leaders were also afraid that they would also get punishment for their crime, due to which they ensured that the laws were weak.” ​

The Chief Minister stated that the state government has passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, stipulating harsher punishment for beadbi. ​

“The dastardly act of beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib-ji was a deep-rooted conspiracy to disturb hard-earned peace, amity, brotherhood and communal harmony in the state,” he said. ​

The Chief Minister asserted that the Bill will ensure strict action against offenders, saying, “Now anyone found guilty in this unpardonable offence will not be spared at any cost and exemplary action will be taken against them as a deterrent for others.” ​

He added, “If Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not safe in the state, then where else can it be,” calling the legislation a historic milestone to check beadbi. ​

Taking a jibe at the Akali Dal’s so-called ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’, CM Mann said, “The real name of this gimmick of Akali Dal is ‘parivar bachao yatra’ as the entire effort is aimed at safeguarding their family interests.” ​

He challenged the Akali leadership, asking, “After looting the state for 15 years, from whom are they trying to save the state?” ​

He said that the Akalis had plundered the state mercilessly, bruised the psyche of Punjabis emotionally, and patronised several mafias. ​

–IANS

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