Patiala, Nov 2 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday lashed out at the Congress, Akali Dal and the BJP, calling them "deeply corrupt" parties that joined hands to "derail" the state's development and protect their shared political interests.
Describing the upcoming electoral battle in the state as "one versus all", he said despite having different flags and election symbols, these parties shared the same intention of "looting" Punjab and exploiting its people.
Addressing a public gathering at Ghanaur in Patiala after dedicating canal water supply projects for two districts, Mann said his greatest strength was the love and blessings of 3.25 crore Punjabis and warned the opposition that, just as in 2022, the people would send its big leaders back home in 2027.
The current political situation in Punjab was "one versus all", Mann said.
"On one side are the BJP, Akali Dal and the Congress. On the other side, I stand with the love and blessings of the people of Punjab. These parties ruled Punjab for decades and are now uncomfortable because an ordinary family's son is working honestly for the welfare of every section of society," he added.
Highlighting the affection he receives during his visits to villages, Mann said that was his greatest strength and reward.
"Whenever I visit villages, my turban gets filled with flowers as people shower their love, blessings and affection on me. I do not have the backing of powerful families or wealthy interests, but I have the blessings of the people. As long as the people of Punjab stand with me, I do not care about the opposition," he said.
Targeting the rival parties, Mann said they have different flags and election symbols, but their intentions are the same, and they are united in their efforts to "loot" the state.
"They cannot tolerate the fact that Punjab's resources are now being utilised for the welfare of Punjabis rather than a handful of political families," he said.
The traditional parties were targeting him because they had realised that people were no longer willing to accept their politics of deception, corruption and family interests, Mann said.
"During their tenure, the Akali leadership developed interests in almost every business. These leaders forcibly took their share in every business venture, whereas I have chosen to share the happiness, struggles and hardships of ordinary people. They are uncomfortable because our government is working for the common people rather than powerful families," he said.
Taking a dig at the Congress, Mann said the party is struggling with "internal differences", with its leaders unable to maintain unity even among themselves.
He added that although the Congress, BJP and Akali Dal might engage in political rivalry publicly, they appeared united whenever it came to opposing the present government.
Pointing towards political defections, he said several leaders who had earlier served in the Congress had joined the BJP.
"Manpreet Singh Badal, Sunil Jakhar and Ravneet Singh Bittu were among those who changed their political affiliations. Such defections had become a common feature of traditional political parties, whose leaders frequently changed political colours according to their convenience," he said.
Referring to the electoral rejection of prominent political leaders, Mann said the people had already demonstrated their democratic strength by defeating Captain Amarinder Singh, Charanjit Singh Channi, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Bikram Singh Majithia and others in previous elections.
"No political leader, irrespective of his position or influence, is bigger than the people. In democracy, the people are supreme, and their verdict is the ultimate authority. No political family or individual can claim ownership over Punjab," he said.
