Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government, accusing it of pushing the country into what he termed an “undeclared lockdown” through rising inflation, restrictions on citizens, and economic pressure on ordinary people. Addressing the media, the Chief Minister alleged that the Narendra Modi government was concealing the real economic condition of the country and avoiding transparency on critical national reserves and financial matters.
Mann said the people of India have every right to know the actual status of the country’s oil, gas, and gold reserves. According to him, the Centre must place complete information before the public instead of hiding facts related to the economy. He alleged that the government had deliberately kept fuel prices stable ahead of elections for political reasons and increased petrol and diesel prices immediately after the polls were over, thereby placing an additional burden on citizens already struggling with inflation.
The Punjab Chief Minister claimed that repeated hikes in fuel prices were being justified in the name of international conflicts and global conditions, while the real impact was being felt by common households across the country. He remarked that inflation was steadily affecting transport costs, household expenses, and daily life, and accused the Centre of using global crises as a shield to pass the financial burden onto the people.
Taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mann said the Prime Minister should openly explain the country’s economic condition and foreign policy decisions to the people. In a politically charged remark, he added that if the Prime Minister could not clarify the situation himself, he should seek answers from US President Donald Trump regarding international developments and their impact on India.
The Chief Minister also criticised what he described as growing restrictions on citizens during the Prime Minister’s foreign visits. He alleged that while people were being advised to stay indoors or work from home during certain movements and security arrangements, the government was not honestly informing citizens about the actual circumstances behind such measures. Mann termed the situation unfair and said ordinary people should not suffer due to political decisions and administrative restrictions.
On electoral issues, Bhagwant Mann said that the Punjab Government and the Aam Aadmi Party would remain vigilant during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of voter lists in Punjab. He asserted that the party would ensure that no genuine voter’s name is removed and no fake voter is added to the electoral rolls. He said maintaining transparency and fairness in the democratic process was essential for protecting the integrity of elections.
Speaking on religious matters, the Chief Minister referred to the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, describing it as a historic step that fulfilled a long-standing demand of the Sikh community across the world. He said the legislation provides for strict punishment in cases involving desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and reflects the government’s commitment towards preserving religious sanctity and sentiments.
Mann’s remarks come at a time when political debates over inflation, fuel prices, electoral transparency, and Centre-state relations are intensifying across the country. His statements are likely to further sharpen the political confrontation between the Punjab Government and the BJP-led Central Government in the coming weeks.
