Punjab Will Fight Every Day to Protect Its Rights; Chandigarh Is and Will Remain Ours: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
The Voice of Chandigarh
Unfurling the Tricolour on Republic Day in Hoshiarpur, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab has been unlawfully deprived of its capital and a separate High Court since Independence, and declared that conspiracies to snatch Chandigarh, Panjab University and the state’s water rights will never succeed. He said the state will continue to fight legal and constitutional battles every day to safeguard its rights.
Highlighting Punjab’s historic sacrifices, the Chief Minister said Punjabis have made the greatest contributions to India’s freedom struggle and continue to serve as the “Food Bowl and Sword Arm of the Nation.” He expressed anguish over the absence of a separate High Court for Punjab despite even smaller states having their own.
Linking governance with heritage, CM Mann recalled the historic commemoration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and announced that the 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji will be celebrated at a state level from February 1, 2026 to February 20, 2027.
Detailing governance milestones, the Chief Minister highlighted free healthcare up to ₹10 lakh for all families, over 63,000 government jobs provided without bribes, decisive action against drugs and gangsters under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ and ‘Gangsteraan Te Vaar’, and a 48% reduction in road accident deaths through the Sadak Surakhiya Force. He said investments worth ₹1.5 lakh crore since 2022 have generated 5.2 lakh jobs, and announced the Punjab Investment Summit from March 13 to 15.
The Chief Minister paid tributes to freedom fighters, soldiers and farmers, saluted Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, and extended Republic Day greetings to Punjabis and citizens across the country.
Earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inspected the Republic Day parade, witnessed cultural performances and felicitated achievers, freedom fighters’ families and citizens for their contributions to society.
