Voting for the Corrupt and Arrogant Was Once a Compulsion, but Now You Have an Honest Option: CM Bhagwant Mann

Ludhiana, June 8, 2025: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann campaigned vigorously on Sunday for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Sanjeev Arora in the Ludhiana West constituency. Addressing two massive Jan Sabhas, one at Jawaddi Village and another in Ward No. 64, Mann appealed to the people to support AAP’s vision for progress and development. He was accompanied by AAP Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh, who lent his voice to the campaign with strong endorsements for Arora’s leadership and the party’s achievements. 

Speaking at the events, Harbhajan Singh hailed Sanjeev Arora as Punjab’s hardest-working Member of Parliament. "Sanjeev Arora has been tirelessly working for Ludhiana, addressing critical issues such as road improvements, canal bridges, and railway station upgrades. His dedication to Ludhiana's development is unparalleled," he said. Singh also highlighted the Mann government’s historic accomplishments in education and sports, emphasizing that AAP is committed to transforming Punjab for the better.

Sanjeev Arora, addressing the gatherings, detailed the work he has accomplished for Ludhiana over the past three years. From infrastructure upgrades to addressing civic issues, he reiterated his dedication to the city's progress. "As your MLA from Ludhiana West, I promise to work four times harder to bring prosperity and development to our constituency," Arora vowed, earning applause from the crowd.

The campaign events saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, signaling strong support for Sanjeev Arora and the Aam Aadmi Party. CM Bhagwant Mann urged voters to reject arrogance and corruption and choose honesty, hard work, and a vision for a better future by electing Sanjeev Arora as their representative.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann began his address by thanking the people for their massive turnout, saying, “Your presence here without any coercion or lure is incredibly encouraging for me. Unlike other parties that bring people on daily wages or with promises of favours, we simply extended a small invitation, and you’ve gathered here in such large numbers. This reflects the trust you’ve placed in our three and a half years of governance.”

He added, “This election was not supposed to happen as you had already given us your mandate, but unfortunately, our MLA Gogi ji passed away. We now count on your continued faith to carry forward the trust you’ve bestowed upon us. On 19th June, pressing the jharoo button will conclude your responsibility and mark the beginning of ours. We guarantee to uphold the trust you place in us.”

CM Mann urged voters to dedicate just 10 to 15 minutes to vote for the future of Punjab, Ludhiana, and their children. “There are 192 booths, each with an average of 700 to 800 votes. It won’t take more than 10 to 15 minutes to cast your vote and return home. Just ensure to press the jharoo button—our symbol is conveniently at the top.”

Taking a sharp dig at his opponents, Mann remarked, “Don’t even look at the photos of the other candidates; their corruption will blind you. These are the same people who have looted Punjab for years.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, taking a sharp dig at Congress candidate Ashu, highlighted his arrogance and misplaced priorities. He remarked, “Their arrogance and anger are at an all-time high. If this is their attitude now, what would they do as an MLA? The government is ours. Even if they won, they will spend the next one and a half years hurling abuses at me, what will they achieve? When he was a minister, he did nothing except insult people.”

Referring to the opposition’s campaign tactics, Mann said, “They campaign with arrogance, while we seek votes with love and respect. They use slogans like ‘Ashu is must,’ but who is he? Nelson Mandela? The truth is, in the past choosing them was a compulsion, but now people have an honest option.”

Mann urged voters to elect candidates who understand their homes and problems rather than those embroiled in internal party conflicts. He added, “He is so busy fighting his own party and party leaders, that's what he will do as MLA too.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while addressing the gathering, expressed his pride in sharing the stage with cricket legend and AAP MP Harbhajan Singh, saying, “Harbhajan Singh, who has brought immense pride to our nation and our state, is with us on stage today.” Mann highlighted his commitment to promoting sports in Punjab, emphasizing that his government is constantly introducing schemes to support players.

“Our children will step onto the playing fields, develop a love for physical fitness, and stay away from drugs. Sports are a vital part of our war against substance abuse,” Mann said, referring to the state-wide campaign ‘Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan’ aimed at revitalizing Punjab’s sporting legacy.

Sharing heartwarming anecdotes, Mann mentioned how families spanning three generations are now coming together to play in sports grounds. “Punjab is renowned for its love for sports, and we are working to revive that passion,” he added.

Speaking about AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora, Mann said, “Sanjeev Arora has the passion to work for the people. He has expressed his commitment to winning with the blessings of the public and dedicating himself to their service. While earlier he worked out of enthusiasm, now he will work with responsibility.” Mann underscored Arora’s zeal and determination to bring meaningful change to Ludhiana West.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recounted his government's achievements in the field of education, health, infrastructure, sports etc. to transform Punjab. “We are building playgrounds in every village. We are revitalizing government schools, and the results are evident—44 students from our government schools and Schools of Eminence have cleared JEE advance exam, and these are children from ordinary households,” he said. Mann emphasized that true poverty alleviation lies in education. “No government scheme or card can lift you out of poverty, but your educated children can. When they secure jobs with packages of ₹50 lakh, they will pull their families out of poverty.”

Highlighting his administration’s sincerity, Mann stated, “Our intentions are pure. We want Punjab to prosper in every aspect—business, agriculture, sports—and ensure respect for all communities.” He announced that ₹1.10 crore had been allocated as a grant for a local school and stressed that people are now talking about employment and development.

Mann took a strong stance against previous administrations, accusing them of keeping Punjab dependent and underdeveloped. “We were kept confined to handouts like the atta-dal scheme. They taught us to fold our hands and beg instead of empowering us. Those who tried to rise through their talent were suppressed. We, coming from humble homes, understand poverty. Those with gold-plated taps can’t understand the value of water, and those unfamiliar with drying canals can’t grasp the struggles of farmers,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister also criticized opposition leaders for their disconnect with Punjab’s grassroots and their tendency to mislead people. “Leaders like Bajwa, Randhawa, and Channi are upset because someone from an ordinary household now holds power. They resort to lies in English to confuse people, but remember—whenever they speak in English, they are lying,” Mann asserted.

Mann highlighted his government’s achievements, including providing 54,154 government jobs and waiving loans of SC families. He criticized past regimes for looting public money and promised, “Every rupee stolen from you will be returned to your homes with interest. I will not let anyone exploit the people anymore.”

Concluding with a commitment to justice and equality, Mann declared, “We have no competition with them. We are far ahead. They looted in the name of religion and the rights of the poor. My government stands for fairness, transparency, and the empowerment of every Punjabi.”