Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday made a fervent appeal to the residents of Jalandhar West during a series of public meetings, intensifying his campaign for AAP candidate Mohinder Bhagat ahead of the upcoming assembly by-election. Addressing enthusiastic crowds at four different gatherings across various wards of the constituency, Mann passionately urged the voters to elect Bhagat, emphasizing his integrity and dedication to public service.
Accompanied by several AAP leaders including MLA Baljinder Kaur and Punjab in-charge Jarnail Singh, Mann underscored Bhagat’s candidacy as pivotal for the constituency's development. He assured the electorate that Bhagat, if elected, would champion their causes effectively at the state level, pledging personal involvement in fulfilling local demands promptly.
Mann seized the opportunity to highlight his administration's achievements, pointing to significant strides in governance and welfare initiatives. He lauded the reduction in electricity bills for 90 percent of households across Punjab and the establishment of over 850 Mohalla clinics, underscoring these as transformative measures benefiting ordinary citizens.
The Chief Minister articulated his vision to eliminate the compulsion of accessing private education and healthcare, promising enhancements in government-run institutions to provide world-class facilities accessible to all. He expressed his commitment to strengthening the public sector, making government schools and hospitals preferred choices over private alternatives.
During his address, Mann criticized the Congress party for its alleged ineffectiveness in local governance, particularly targeting the incumbent's failure to address basic infrastructure issues under her purview. He questioned the efficacy of the Congress candidate, Surinder Kaur, citing her lackluster track record as Deputy Mayor of Jalandhar.
Mann also took aim at BJP candidate Sheetal Angural, accusing him of defecting to the BJP due to difficulties encountered while adhering to AAP's anti-corruption stance. He urged the voters to rebuke opportunistic politics and teach a lesson to those who betray public trust.
Further disparaging remarks were aimed at Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, whom Mann criticized for alleged political maneuvering to shore up support for alternative candidates, signaling a decline in the party's influence across Punjab.
Mann reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to combat corruption and uphold transparency, which he claimed has rattled entrenched political rivals. He urged the voters to reject traditional politics represented by Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress, promoting AAP as a fresh, honest alternative capable of bringing real change to Punjab.
As the campaign intensifies towards the July 10 polling day, Mann urged the residents to symbolize their support by pressing the 'jharoo' (broom) button on the electronic voting machines, symbolizing AAP's commitment to sweeping away corruption and inefficiency from Punjab’s political landscape.
Mann meets Jalandhar Traders, Promises Support and Solutions
Punjab Chief Minister Mann convened a meeting with the traders, small shopkeepers, and businessmen of Jalandhar city on Sunday, addressing their concerns and seeking their support in the upcoming by-elections.
Mann engaged in an open dialogue with the business community, addressing most of their issues on the spot and assuring prompt resolution of remaining problems. “You don't need to worry now because you have your own government in Punjab,” Mann told the traders.
He appealed to the traders to back AAP in the by-elections, urging them to elect Bhagat as their MLA. He promised that if elected, Bhagat would be appointed as a Minister to prioritize and resolve the issues faced by the people of Jalandhar.
Highlighting the critical role of the business sector in Punjab's economic progress, Mann stressed the need for industrial development to combat unemployment and boost state revenue. He reassured the businessmen of the government's dedication to addressing their concerns and fostering a conducive environment for business growth.
Since the AAP came to power, many talented individuals from Punjab have returned from abroad to start new businesses, Mann noted.