Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In a major move to address decades of infrastructural neglect, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, launched development projects worth ₹150 crore for the Tanda Urmur assembly constituency in Hoshiarpur. The package focuses on modernizing road connectivity, expanding healthcare access, and improving water supply in the Kandi region—an area the Chief Minister claimed had been politically sidelined for nearly 70 years. During the state-level event in Tanda, Mann emphasized that his government is committed to providing dignity and quality facilities to every citizen, regardless of their location.
Key Projects and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Chief Minister inaugurated several vital initiatives aimed at transforming the local landscape:
- Roads and Bridges: A significant ₹141.88 crore has been allocated for the renovation of link roads. Additionally, a new ‘High Level Bridge’ costing ₹2.39 crore will be constructed to facilitate the congregation heading to Gurdwara Rampur Kheda Sahib.
- Healthcare Expansion: Six new ‘Health Wellness Centers’ are being established in the villages of Kandhala Shekhan, Rajpur, Dhugga Kalan, Prempur, Giljian, and Jahura at a cost of ₹3.30 crore. An ‘Urban Primary Health Center’ is also being set up in Garhdiwala.
- Water Supply: A ₹1.54 crore water supply project was launched specifically for Talwandi Daddian village.
Political Offensive Against the Akali Dal and Congress
CM Mann utilized the platform to launch a scathing attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress party. He accused the Akali Dal of “unpardonable sins,” specifically citing the disrespect shown to Sri Guru Sahib during their tenure and their historical links to British-era titles. Mann characterized the SAD’s ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’ as a ‘Parivar Bachao Yatra’ (Save the Family Journey), alleging that the party had patronized gangsters and drug smugglers while in power. He further criticized the Congress as a “divided house” of leaders aspiring for the CM chair with no ground-level unity.
Progress in Education and Health
The Chief Minister highlighted Punjab’s recent achievements, noting that the state secured the top position in the National Achievement Survey 2024, surpassing Kerala. He detailed the success of the ‘Schools of Eminence’ and Aam Aadmi Clinics, stating that 990 clinics are now operational across the state. Mann also touted the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna’, which provides free treatment up to ₹10 lakh for 65 lakh families, and noted that canal water usage for irrigation has risen from 22% in 2022 to over 70% today.
