7 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, accusing them of seeking political power only to “loot Punjab once again” and fill their own coffers.
Speaking at a Lok Milni programme at Ghudda village in Bathinda, Mann alleged that opposition leaders were troubled by his government’s focus on spending public money on welfare schemes.
Mann Targets BJP, Congress and SAD
Mann criticised the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), alleging that the opposition parties had a poor record of working in the interests of Punjab.
He claimed that these parties were now attempting to regain political influence despite their past record in the state.
SAD-BJP Alliance Also Under Attack
The Chief Minister particularly targeted the reported possibility of a renewed SAD-BJP alliance ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Mann alleged that the Akali Dal was seeking an alliance with the BJP primarily to return to power, rather than on the basis of an ideological or development-oriented agenda.
‘Our Fight Is for Welfare’
Mann contrasted the opposition’s alleged focus on power with what he described as the AAP government’s priorities.
He said his government was focused on education, healthcare, employment and public welfare, arguing that political power should be used to improve the lives of ordinary Punjabis.
Mann Highlights Previous Governments
The Punjab CM also accused previous governments of failing to address major issues facing the state.
He specifically criticised the Congress over the drug menace and sacrilege-related cases, saying the party had no moral right to seek the trust of Punjab’s voters.
‘Common Man’ Versus Political Establishment
Mann also portrayed himself as an outsider to Punjab’s traditional political establishment.
Taking a dig at rival leaders, he said some belonged to the “Rahul Gandhi quota” and others to the “Modi quota”, while claiming that he belonged to the “people’s quota.”
2027 Punjab Polls in Focus
Mann’s remarks come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
The possibility of a BJP-SAD alliance has become a major talking point, with Mann repeatedly using the speculation to target both parties and present the AAP as an alternative to traditional political formations.
Political Battle Intensifies
The latest comments reflect the increasingly combative political atmosphere in Punjab ahead of the Assembly polls.
While Mann has highlighted his government’s welfare agenda, opposition parties have continued to challenge the AAP government’s record on governance and other state issues.
Mann’s allegations against opposition parties are political claims and have been presented as such; the parties targeted by him have their own positions on the issues.