Chandigarh, Oct. 26 -- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday accused the BJP of seeking votes to snatch Panjab University, Chandigarh, and the state's water resources, alleging that the party had repeatedly denied the state its rightful entitlements.
During a media interaction, Mann criticised the Modi government for "withholding" Punjab's Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Value Added Tax (VAT) dues for the past "four-and-a-half years", saying the delay had hampered development and rural infrastructure works.
He said Punjab had made immense contributions to the country's food security and national defence but continued to face injustice from the BJP-led Centre.
Mann asserted that the state would not compromise on its rights over Panjab University, its water resources or its financial dues. He described the university as an institution linked to Punjab's history, identity and academic legacy, while stressing that water was vital to agriculture and farmers' livelihoods.
"The Union government must fulfil its financial obligations towards the state," he said.
The chief minister also targeted the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the BJP over the drug menace, alleging that the two parties had damaged Punjab during their previous tenures in power. He accused them of preparing to reunite for electoral gains, saying their political alliance could not erase their past failures.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.