Punjab CM calls meeting of all MLAs

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called a meeting of his ministers at his residence on Thursday evening to discuss the budget proposals for the 2025-26 financial year, sources in the Punjab government told The Tribune Group. The meeting comes ahead of the Punjab Assembly’s budget session, which is set to begin on Friday.

The ministers are also expected to discuss the state government’s actions against protesting farmer unions. The meeting has been scheduled for 7:30 pm, with officials closely monitoring developments related to the protests.

Meanwhile, the state government has converted Hanuman Palace in Khanauri into a temporary jail, where around 250 protesting farmers have been detained. The facility can be used as a jail until March 25.

Punjab ministers have released video messages urging people not to fall for misinformation and instead support the government’s anti-drug campaign.