CHANDIGARH, 16th May 2026: Punjab CM launched a sharp attack on the Central Government, questioning the Prime Minister’s foreign visits while common people face rising inflation and financial pressure . Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday strongly criticised the BJP-led Central Government for sharply increasing fuel prices, saying the government once again burdened common people immediately after elections while leaders in power continued lecturing citizens on cutting expenses and saving money.He said people across the country are struggling with inflation, rising transport costs and increasing household expenditure, but instead of providing relief, the Centre is asking citizens to reduce personal spending.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Prime Minister is roaming abroad while giving lessons on savings to people of country.” He said the government repeatedly tells ordinary citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and cut expenses, while the Prime Minister continues frequent foreign visits at public expense.
Foreign Trips ; “Should people of the country stop travelling abroad
Questioning the contradiction in the Centre’s messaging, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Should people of the country stop travelling abroad and do work from home? “Then the Prime Minister should work from home too,” he added. He said war and global economic uncertainty have affected the entire world, but no other country’s leader has asked citizens to focus on savings the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi ha
Taking a swipe at the Centre, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Thankfully, the Prime Minister only advised people to save money and didn’t ask them to beat thalis and clap again.” He asserted that instead of symbolic gestures and lectures, people expect practical steps to control inflation and reduce the financial burden on households, farmers and small businesses.
War has impacted the entire world, but no other country’s head apart from PM Modi’s has advised
Referring to the impact of global developments, the Chief Minister said that war and economic instability have affected countries across the world, but governments elsewhere are trying to provide relief to citizens rather than shifting the burden onto the public through higher prices and moral lectures on expenditure. “War has impacted the entire world, but no other country’s head apart from PM Modi’s has advised its citizens to focus on savings like this,” he added.
*Punjab will not compromise on its water rights under any pressure; Haryana will get water only as per legally fixed schedule: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
Referring to the sensitive Bhakra water-sharing issue and recent remarks made by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister unequivocally stated that Punjab would firmly safeguard its water rights at every cost. He said Haryana would receive water strictly according to its legally scheduled quota and not before the stipulated timeline.
Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab will not compromise on its water rights under any pressure.” He added that water drives Punjab’s emotions, economy, and agriculture, and the state government remains fully committed to protecting every drop for future generations.
*Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state; every drop is linked to farmers, economy & future generations: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
Reiterating Punjab’s position, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state.” He said the Punjab Government remains committed to saving the waters of the state and protecting the interests of farmers and rural communities dependent on agriculture.
*People are supporting AAP because they can see development on ground instead of empty political rhetoric: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
people are strongly backing the government because visible development
Expressing confidence ahead of the upcoming local body elections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said people are strongly backing the government because visible development is taking place on the ground. He highlighted that employment opportunities are expanding, urban infrastructure is improving, roads and sewerage systems are being upgraded, toll plazas are being removed and development grants worth crores are being released for cities and towns across Punjab.
In a pointed political attack, the Chief Minister said the Shiromani Akali Dal has steadily lost both public support and credibility due to years of political decline and disconnect from people’s aspirations. He stated that the Akalis no longer command the trust they once enjoyed among Punjabis.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Akalis had bruised the psyche of every Punjabi in general and Sikhs in particular through incidents of sacrilege. He added that Punjabis will never forgive the Akalis for their sins against Punjab and its people.
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