Chandigarh, Oct. 26 -- Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday accused the BJP-led central government of undermining Punjab's financial and institutional rights, alleging that disputes over river waters, Panjab University and outstanding central dues were being exploited for political gains ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Mann claimed that the Centre had withheld Punjab's Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Value Added Tax (VAT) dues for four-and-a-half years, adversely affecting development projects and rural infrastructure.

"The BJP is seeking votes while conspiring to snatch Panjab University, Chandigarh and Punjab's water. Depriving Punjab of its legitimate rights has become an old habit of the BJP," Mann told reporters in Patiala....