Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday asserted that Chandigarh belongs solely to Punjab and will continue to remain so, warning that the state will not tolerate any further “injustice” from the Centre.
Addressing a gathering in Dhudike, Mann said Punjab had already faced several setbacks at the hands of the Centre and would not allow any more attempts to undermine its rights. “The Punjab government will not permit anyone to infringe upon the state’s legitimate rights,” he said.
The chief minister was in Dhudike to pay floral tributes to freedom fighter and Swadeshi movement leader Lala Lajpat Rai on his 161st birth anniversary. He also visited the library and other historical sites associated with the leader.
Mann described Lala Lajpat Rai as not only a great freedom fighter but also a guiding force of the Swadeshi movement. He said Dhudike was a “blessed land” that gave birth to several freedom fighters who endured severe punishments, including imprisonment in the Cellular Jail. “Lala Lajpat Rai’s sacrifice will continue to inspire generations, and his contribution to India’s freedom struggle remains unparalleled,” he said.
The chief minister also expressed deep sorrow over the death of five people, including Maharashtra deputy chief minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, in a reported aircraft accident.
Speaking on welfare initiatives, Mann said that under the state’s health insurance scheme, treatment would be ensured for every individual and that the government faced no shortage of funds. He urged village sports clubs to introduce kabaddi weight categories such as 35 kg, 40 kg and 45 kg to encourage children to participate and develop as athletes.
He added that heavyweight kabaddi would soon be introduced in his native village, Satoj. Referring to the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, often called the “mini Olympics,” Mann said bullock cart races were being resumed after a gap of 14 years.
Although no specific grants were announced for development works in Dhudike, the chief minister assured villagers that their demands would be considered and addressed.
