During Republic Day celebrations in Hoshiarpur, CM Bhagwant Mann reaffirmed Punjab’s absolute claim over Chandigarh, Panjab University, and state water rights.
The CM announced a year-long 650th Parkash Parv celebration for Sri Guru Ravidas Ji and highlighted a record ₹1.5 lakh crore investment in the state.
Unfurling the national Tricolour in Hoshiarpur on Republic Day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann delivered a powerful assertion of Punjab’s constitutional rights while presenting a comprehensive governance report card. Paying homage to the martyrs of the freedom struggle, the Chief Minister declared that Chandigarh was, is, and will always remain an integral part of Punjab. He condemned ongoing “conspiracies” aimed at undermining Punjab’s claim over its capital, Panjab University, and river waters. Highlighting the state’s role as India’s “Food Bowl and Sword Arm,” CM Mann vowed to pursue every legal and constitutional remedy to ensure Punjab is no longer “unjustly denied” its rightful capital and a separate High Court.
Historically, the reorganization of Punjab in 1966 left the state without an exclusive capital, as Chandigarh was designated a Union Territory serving both Punjab and Haryana. CM Mann’s address at Hoshiarpur—the state’s most educated district—marks a significant escalation in the state’s administrative battle with the Centre.
Beyond territorial disputes, the governance framework has shifted toward high-tech security and social welfare. The “Yudh Nashean Virudh” (War against Drugs) and the creation of the Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF)—which has cut road deaths by 48%—are cornerstones of this era. Furthermore, the state’s healthcare reform now provides universal coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India that removes income barriers for all 65 lakh families in the state.
Bhagwant Singh Mann (Chief Minister, Punjab): “It is unfortunate that despite our unmatched sacrifices, Punjab is unlawfully deprived of its own capital. We will not allow anyone to snatch our rights over our waters or Panjab University. Our battle for justice continues daily in the courts and the legislature.”
SC & Landless Labor Communities: Concerns were raised regarding changes to MGNREGA. CM Mann noted, “With 12.65 lakh SC families depending on MGNREGA in Punjab, the Centre’s structural changes are disastrous. We are fighting this war against the Center to protect their livelihoods.”
Industrial Investors: Following the announcement of the Punjab Investment Summit (March 13–15), experts noted that the ₹1.5 lakh crore already attracted has generated over 5.2 lakh jobs, signaling a major shift toward industrialization.
Youth & Job Seekers: “Providing 63,027 government jobs purely on merit, without a single bribe, has restored the faith of Punjab’s youth in the system,” remarked a recent recruit during the Republic Day parade.
The Chief Minister listed a series of achievements that define the “New Punjab” vision:
Religious Heritage: Announcement of state-level programs for the 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji from February 1, 2026, to February 20, 2027.
Infrastructure: Revival of 18,349 watercourses and the construction of the Malwa Canal, the first post-independence canal project.
Education: 118 Schools of Eminence and international training for teachers in Finland and Singapore.
Agriculture: Punjab offers the nation’s highest sugarcane price at ₹416 per quintal, while stubble burning has dropped by 53%.
Internal Security: Seizure of 256 narco-drones and the demolition of drug trafficker properties.
The Punjab government is gearing up for a massive Investment Summit from March 13 to 15, 2026, aiming to further boost the 5.2 lakh jobs already created. Simultaneously, the state will launch the second phase of its anti-drug campaign, inviting citizens to join by giving a missed call to 98991-00002. On the legal front, the administration remains prepared to challenge the withholding of Rural Development Funds (RDF) and MGNREGA alterations in the Supreme Court.
