Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann blasts Congress, Akalis as 'bellyaching' ahead of Panchayat elections

A day before the crucial Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a sharp attack on his political rivals, accusing them of “bellyaching” after sensing defeat in the rural polls.

In his trademark rustic and humorous style, Mann targeted the Congress over the alleged “Rs 500 crore for Chief Ministership” controversy.

He also hit out at the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), saying the “B” in SAD stood for “beadbi” and “badmashi,” accusing the party of using gangsters to threaten voters and fielding a relative of a gangster in Tarn Taran’s bypoll.

“The man who was CM for 111 days is making irresponsible statements that 100 pre-printed ballot papers are being used in each constituency. He has sensed defeat and is thus making such baseless allegations. It would do him good if he concentrated on arranging for the money to get the Chief Ministership or two deputy chief minister berths.

“If the ruling party was misusing official machinery, why would there be 2,433 Congress and 1,814 Akali candidates contesting Panchayat Samiti polls? Interestingly, three Congress and eight Independent candidates have already been declared elected unopposed,” Mann said.

Highlighting AAP’s preparedness, Mann noted that while the party has fielded candidates on all seats, rivals lagged behind.

“AAP has fielded candidates on all 347 Zila Parishad seats. Congress could contest only 331 seats, Akalis 298, and BJP 215. In Panchayat Samiti polls, AAP fielded candidates on 2,771 seats, Congress on 2,433, Akalis on 1,814, BJP on 1,127, and BSP on 195. Prospective candidates believe Congress is in political doldrums after prominent leaders failed to secure wins for their kin in various bypolls,” he said.

Mann also alleged that rival parties were forming alliances at the grassroots to counter AAP’s influence.

“At many places, these three rival parties are supporting common candidates against AAP. But the public will vote for AAP—the only party with credibility that delivers on promises.

“People are impressed by our work on upgrading school infrastructure, setting up aam aadmi clinics, constructing 43,000 km of roads, ensuring water reaches the tail ends of irrigation channels, and promoting canal irrigation over tubewells,” he added.