Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday energized the campaign trail with a series of nukkad meetings across various locales in the Jalandhar West assembly constituency. Joined by AAP candidate Mohinder Bhagat and throngs of enthusiastic supporters, Mann engaged directly with the electorate at key spots including Nakodar Chowk and Avtar Nagar main road.
Mann, in his addresses, urged the people to elect Mohinder Bhagat as their MLA, promising accelerated development for Jalandhar under AAP leadership. “Make Mohinder Bhagat your MLA, and we will elevate him to a ministerial position to expedite the progress of Jalandhar,” Mann declared amidst applause.
Highlighting the stakes of the upcoming election, Mann underscored that the outcome wouldn't alter the State Government's stability but emphasized the significance of having an AAP representative in the legislature. “This victory will secure your share in the government, ensuring swift development of this region,” he assured the audience.
Enumerating his government's achievements, Mann cited the closure of 16 toll plazas across Punjab, resulting in daily savings of Rs 60 lakh for the public. He contrasted this with the legacy of Pratap Singh Bajwa, his political opponent, who Mann accused of installing these toll plazas. “Under our administration, we've implemented policies like one MLA one pension, provided free electricity up to 600 units, and created 43,000 government jobs without any corruption,” Mann said.
Turning his attention to BJP candidate Sheetal Angural, Mann criticized him as a former AAP MLA who defected for personal gain, precipitating the current by-election. “His actions betray the trust of the people and waste taxpayers’ money,” Mann lamented, urging voters to teach Angural a lesson so that such betrayals wouldn't recur.
Responding to Angural's challenge for a debate, Mann retorted defiantly, “Don't challenge me. I don't have an NDPS case against me for drug smuggling like you. Give this threat of debate to someone else, you can debate with me whenever you want. Why are you waiting for the 5th, let's debate today.”
In conclusion, Mann reassured the electorate of his integrity in public service, contrasting his past career in entertainment where he could have earned fortunes. “If ever accused of corruption, I will quit politics myself,” Mann pledged solemnly, urging the voters to reject traditional parties in favour of AAP's commitment to honest governance.
AAP candidate Mohinder Bhagat expressed gratitude to the attendees and Chief Minister Mann for their support, urging the voters to endorse AAP's agenda by casting their ballot on the 10th. "Bhagwant Mann has transformed Punjab; let's continue this journey together," Bhagat rallied.
As the campaign intensifies, Jalandhar braces for a closely contested election on the horizon, with the stakes high for both candidates and parties alike.
Warring Calls For Urgent Action in ‘Neglected’ Jalandhar West, Backs Surinder Kaur
Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Wednesday expressed grave concerns over the neglected state of Jalandhar West ahead of the upcoming by-elections, during the inauguration of party office at Ward No 47.
Highlighting the issues plaguing the constituency, Warring criticized the AAP-led State Government for its failure to address pressing problems exacerbated by the absence of a dedicated MLA since the defection of the former representative to the BJP. He pointed out rampant drug-related issues, labeling Jalandhar West as the epicenter of the city’s drug crisis. “Despite promises from the ruling party to curb the problem, the situation has deteriorated significantly. Moreover, the unchecked ‘Satta Market’ in the area continues to lure young residents into gambling, contributing to social and economic woes,” said Warring while also noting a surge in crime rates, with daily incidents largely ignored.
Speaking on Punjab Congress’s decision to field Surinder Kaur as their candidate for Jalandhar West, Warring emphasized her experience and understanding of local issues. “Surinder Kaur ji's nomination reflects Punjab Congress’s commitment to addressing the intricate challenges faced by Jalandhar West,” he remarked. He highlighted the historical precedence within Congress for promoting women leaders, underscoring their crucial role in governance and policy-making.
Warring concluded by urging the voters to elect Surinder Kaur ji in the upcoming by-elections, ensuring robust representation and effective advocacy for Jalandhar West's development in the Vidhan Sabha. He reaffirmed Congress’s dedication to empowering women leaders and pledged to uphold their legacy of progressive governance.
Jakhar Calls for Court-Monitored Inquiry into Corruption Allegations Against Mann’s Family
Launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday demanded a court-monitored investigation into allegations of corruption involving Mann’s close family members. Jakhar emphasized the need for a time-bound probe to unearth the truth behind these serious charges.
“Sheetal Angural has exhibited the courage that no Congress MLA dared to, owing to their own corrupt practices,” Jakhar asserted, referring to the recent defection of Angural to BJP and subsequent allegations. He underscored the necessity of a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.
Jakhar invoked the principle that “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion”, urging the Chief Minister to take proactive steps to address these allegations, which he claimed have tarnished the reputation of Mann’s family. He criticized the AAP leadership for allegedly fostering a culture of corruption during their tenure, leading to disillusionment among the people of Punjab.
Responding to queries about Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring’s recent remarks in the Lok Sabha regarding justice for Sidhu Moosewala, Jakhar questioned Warring’s silence on the issue in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha over the past two and a half years. “Law and order are state subjects, and it is incumbent upon the AAP government in Punjab to ensure justice in such cases,” Jakhar remarked, highlighting what he perceived as inconsistency in Warring's approach.
