Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday lashed out at opposition parties, accusing them of singling him out because they are "rattled" by the massive public support the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) continues to receive across the state. Addressing reporters in Patiala regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming 'Hisaab Mango' rally in Sangrur on November 4, CM Mann noted that leaders from various parties naturally flock to Sangrur as it remains an established stronghold of AAP. Referring to previous visits by opposition figures, the Chief Minister remarked, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited earlier; he spoke neither against the Akali Dal nor against the Congress. He simply took Bhagwant Mann’s name and left. Now, Rahul Gandhi will also come, take my name, and head back." Mann further pointed out that opposition parties rarely target each other, alleging an unwritten understanding between them driven by fear over AAP's growing popularity. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to launch his party's campaign for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections with the Sangrur rally on November 4. Update on Parvinder Singh Jhota Murder Case Addressing the high-profile murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, Chief Minister Mann stated that the state government has accepted all legitimate demands put forward by the victim's family. He added that the decision on when to perform the final rites now rests with the family members and the action committee. Jhota, known for actively campaigning against illegal drug sales, was shot dead in broad daylight inside a medical store in a crowded Mansa market on October 13. His family members have hitherto refused to permit the post-mortem and funeral proceedings until all their demands, including the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav, are fulfilled. Pending Rural Development Funds and Criticisms of Central Policy On the issue of withheld Rural Development Funds (RDF), Chief Minister Mann reiterated that the Punjab government is persistently raising the matter with the Union government. He noted that funds under both RDF and the former VAT regime remain outstanding. Questioning the BJP's moral right to seek votes in Punjab, Mann stated that the Centre is depriving the state of its rightful dues. He further criticized central initiatives and proposals, including discussions on setting up a separate legislative assembly building, creating a separate syndicate for Panjab University, replacing officials in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), and diverting Punjab's river waters to Rajasthan and Haryana. The Chief Minister stated that the people of Punjab are well aware of these developments and will respond appropriately in time.