Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann campaigned in Jalandhar on Wednesday in favor of AAP candidates for the municipal corporation elections. He led a grand roadshow here with party leaders and workers, appealing to people to ensure the victory of AAP candidates.
The roadshow saw the presence of AAP Punjab President Aman Arora, Working President Sharry Kalsi, Cabinet Ministers Mohinder Bhagat, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Dr. Ravjot Singh, along with Jalandhar's MLAs, councilor candidates, a large number of party workers, and common citizens. Mann thanked everyone for their love and support and encouraged them to play an active role in the electoral process.
Addressing the people, Chief Minister Mann outlined a comprehensive plan for Jalandhar's development. He reiterated the party's promises to curb pollution in Jalandhar city and enhance public transport by introducing electric buses with modern charging stations, eliminating garbage mountains, and creating a better sewage system.
Mann stated that local governance directly impacts the quality of life in cities. Hence, better candidates should be elected who can work for the people and address local issues. He said the problems of the municipal corporation would be resolved swiftly under the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party because the state government is also theirs. Therefore, the mayor should be from the Aam Aadmi Party to ensure the city's development progresses at double the pace.
The Chief Minister referred to the work his government has done over the past two and a half years, mentioning that 50,000 youths were given government jobs purely on merit without bribes or recommendations. He said corruption has been curbed, and strict action is being taken against corrupt individuals.
He highlighted the government's remarkable achievements in the fields of health and education. Over the past two and a half years, numerous Mohalla Clinics have been opened across Punjab, and government hospitals have been revamped. Simultaneously, government schools are being transformed into world-class institutions. Schools are being equipped with all kinds of facilities, and infrastructure is being improved.
Today, 90% of households in Punjab are getting free electricity. Farmers are also receiving sufficient electricity during the day for agricultural activities without any cuts. The government has purchased the Goindwal Sahib Thermal Power Plant and ensured canal water reaches the fields. He said all this was possible because our intentions were clear. The previous governments failed to deliver because their leaders were corrupt.
He said his government has eradicated the mafia system that had plagued Punjab for years. Taking a dig at Akali-BJP and Congress leaders, he said, "We do not take a share in sand mines, buses, and dhabas; we share the joys and sorrows of the 3.5 crore people of Punjab."
CM Mann appealed to the people of Jalandhar to rise above caste and religion and vote on December 21. He said this time, vote for your future, your children's future, and the development of your city. He added that the broom is not just a button on the voting machine but a symbol of hope for the common people and a better future for their children.
He said the Aam Aadmi Party is the party of common people. "We give opportunities to the youth from ordinary families to enter politics." Highlighting the humble background of Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, he said his father was a bandmaster, and the Aam Aadmi Party made him a minister. There are several other MLAs and ministers in the party whose financial conditions were not strong, but the Aam Aadmi Party gave them a chance. In this election, too, we have fielded common people as candidates. Support them.
During his speech, Chief Minister Mann mentioned hateful and mischievous elements, warning them that Punjab's soil is very fertile, but seeds of hatred cannot grow here. He urged them not to attempt such actions. He said Punjab is known for its brotherhood and social harmony. "We celebrate Gurpurab, Eid, Diwali, and Holi together. The politics of hatred can never succeed here.