Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, alleging that the party was eager to join hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in an attempt to return to power and “loot Punjab again.” Addressing a state-level function organised by the Punjab government on the occasion of the Rakhar Punnia fair, as well as a large rally at the grain market in Raiya, Mann said the people of Punjab would never forgive an alleged BJP-Akali alliance for pushing the state into the grip of drugs and contributing to its destruction. Referring to the religious significance of Baba Bakala, the Chief Minister said the sacred land was closely associated with the philosophy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the message of “Sacha Guru Ladho Re.” Mann also targeted the Akali Dal over the incidents of sacrilege in 2015 and the subsequent firing incidents. He alleged that the Akalis were making efforts to join hands with the BJP leadership with the aim of returning to power and “looting the state.” He said the politically aware people of Punjab would once again reject them. Mann Attacks Congress The Chief Minister also criticised the Congress, claiming that the party was now on its “last legs” and would soon lose everything in the political arena. Mann said Congress had no vision for the people of Punjab and was suffering from internal divisions. He claimed that continued infighting within the party would eventually lead to its collapse. CM Highlights Government’s Achievements During his address, Mann highlighted what he described as major achievements of the Punjab government. He said more than 90 per cent of households in the state were receiving free electricity. He further said that more than 69,000 young people had been provided jobs without corruption and solely on the basis of merit. According to Mann, the state’s road infrastructure was also being strengthened, while the closure of toll plazas had ensured savings for the public. The Chief Minister said his government had strengthened infrastructure in the education and healthcare sectors. He said every family was being provided cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh. Mann also referred to financial assistance being provided to women under the Maavan-Dhiyaan Satikar Scheme. He said 3,100 sports stadiums were being developed across the state to help keep young people away from drug abuse. He further stated that repair and improvement work was being carried out on around 45,000 kilometres of roads across Punjab. The Chief Minister added that the Punjab government was providing grants for the development of villages across the state.