*Historic initiative by Bhagwant Mann Govt, distribution of free food kits begins for 40 lakh poor, Dalit and backward families in Punjab*

*Each kit will include 2 kg chana dal, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg iodised salt, 200 grams turmeric and 1 litre mustard oil: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Objective of ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna’ is to reduce kitchen expenses of poor families & improve nutrition: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt is making life easier for every section by providing free electricity, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna & canal water: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Work on underground power lines is progressing rapidly, & soon entire Punjab will become pole-free: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

SANGRUR; 9th May 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the ambitious ‘Meri Rasoi Yojna’ during a programme organised in village Bhalwan in Sangrur, marking the beginning of free nutritional food kit distribution to nearly 40 lakh poor and economically weaker families across Punjab, as one of the country’s largest household nutrition support initiatives.

Declaring the scheme as a direct intervention to reduce the kitchen burden on struggling families amid rising inflation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the AAP Government is merely making announcements but delivering tangible relief to every household through free electricity, healthcare, women-centric welfare schemes and food security measures. He also asserted that alongside strengthening social welfare, the AAP Government is rapidly modernising infrastructure, with underground power cabling work progressing at speed to make Punjab completely “pole-free” in the coming period.

Addressing a large public gathering during the launch event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Previous governments had restricted welfare measures merely to the distribution of wheat and pulses, whereas the Punjab Government has taken a comprehensive step to ensure that kitchens of poor and middle-class households remain functional with all essential cooking items required for daily needs.”

The Chief Minister stated, “Under the ‘Meri Rasoi’ scheme, every beneficiary family will receive a specially prepared kitchen kit every three months containing mustard oil, pulses, sugar, salt, turmeric and other essential grocery items required for running a household kitchen.”

Emphasising that the scheme was designed keeping in mind the practical needs of ordinary families, especially women managing household responsibilities, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that a strong and prosperous Punjab can only be built when every household kitchen remains functional and no child sleeps hungry. “Proper nutrition for children is extremely important for their education, health and participation in sports. Our Government wants every household to have access to nutritious and essential food items so that children do not suffer weakness due to lack of protein-rich food,” he said.

Highlighting the Punjab Government’s welfare-oriented governance model, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said nearly 90 percent of households in Punjab are now receiving zero electricity bills, significantly helping families save money and manage household expenses with dignity. “The money saved from electricity bills is now being used by families for household needs and improving their quality of life,” he added.

Speaking about agriculture and irrigation reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the AAP Government has ensured uninterrupted daytime power supply to farmers, allowing them to irrigate their fields during the day instead of spending sleepless nights in difficult conditions. “Our government has rejuvenated the canal irrigation system by restoring and laying nearly 14,000 kilometres of water channels and pipelines across Punjab. This historic initiative has improved irrigation facilities and helped conserve groundwater,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further stated that better canal water availability has reduced farmers’ dependence on tube wells, which would play a major role in saving Punjab’s rapidly depleting groundwater reserves.

Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment towards women empowerment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said registration is underway for the “Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna”, under which eligible women will receive monthly financial assistance. “Women above 18 years of age should come forward and register for these schemes. Women from the general category will receive ₹1,000 per month, while women from Scheduled Caste families will receive ₹1,500 every month,” he stated.

He said these initiatives were aimed at ensuring dignity, self-confidence and financial support for women in managing household responsibilities.

Highlighting healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government is providing free healthcare coverage of up to ₹10 lakh under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna. “People can avail cashless treatment in government as well as empanelled private hospitals. No family in Punjab should be forced to sell land or valuables for medical treatment,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann informed that more than 35 lakh health cards have already been issued and the Government is continuously expanding healthcare access across Punjab.

Criticising unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles created in welfare schemes earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government has simplified welfare registration procedures by removing cumbersome biometric verification systems that caused inconvenience, especially to women and elderly citizens. “Many women engaged in household work face difficulties in biometric authentication because their fingerprints fade over time. That is why the Punjab Government has simplified the process through photograph-based verification,” he said.

Reaffirming his Government’s commitment towards protecting the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the recently enacted anti-beadbi law has brought relief and satisfaction to people across Punjab. “For years, people suffered pain not only because sacrilege incidents occurred, but also because accused persons often secured bail due to weak legal provisions. The new law includes stringent punishment, heavy fines, long imprisonment and provisions extending up to life imprisonment,” he stated.

He asserted that the legislation has already received the Governor’s assent and there is no question of withdrawing the law. “The overwhelming majority of Sikh Sangat across the world has welcomed the legislation. Only a handful of politically motivated people are opposing it,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said previous governments failed to take strict action despite repeated public demands, whereas the Punjab Government fulfilled its responsibility by enacting a strong law to prevent sacrilege incidents in future. “His government is working honestly and transparently to ensure that public money is spent on schools, hospitals, welfare schemes and infrastructure development,” he said while thanking people for their overwhelming support and affection towards the Government.

Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, senior civil and police administration officials, panchayat representatives and a large number of local residents were present during the event.

Sharing a few snippets from the event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today in Sangrur, we launched the ‘CM Meri Rasoi Yojna’ for the welfare of 40 lakh families, under which ration kits will be distributed four times a year to protect children from malnutrition.”

“Our Government is making life easier for every section of society by providing free electricity, the ‘CM Sehat Yojna’, the ‘Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna’, uninterrupted daytime power supply and canal water to farmers. From village Satouj, we are also beginning the historic initiative of undergrounding electricity wires to make Punjab completely ‘Pole-Free’,” he added.

“Previous governments merely indulged in politics over sacrilege incidents, but we have ensured protection of Guru maryada by bringing a strict law with provisions of life imprisonment and a ₹50 lakh penalty. This journey towards building a ‘Rangla Punjab’ will continue relentlessly,” the post concluded.

*AAP Govt takes historic step to strengthen food security, reduce household burden for 40 lakh families across Punjab*

The “Meri Rasoi Yojna” reflects the Bhagwant Mann Government’s welfare-driven and people-centric model of governance, which prioritises dignity, nutrition and financial relief for ordinary families over political optics. At a time when rising household expenses are affecting poor and middle-class families across the country, the Bhagwant Mann Government has taken a historic and compassionate step by directly supporting nearly 40 lakh families with essential kitchen supplies required for daily life.

Unlike previous governments that limited welfare to symbolic announcements, the AAP Government has expanded the scope of food security by ensuring that vulnerable households receive nutritious essentials beyond wheat and ration support. Through transparent delivery systems, quality-assured food kits and universal outreach to economically weaker sections, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has reinforced its commitment to building a healthier, stronger and hunger-free Punjab where no household is forced to struggle for basic nutritional needs.

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*Millions join ‘Shukrana Yatra’ as Punjab thanks Almighty for historic anti-beadbi law: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*‘Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026’ will ensure no one dares commit beadbi in Punjab again: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab will never allow BJP’s politics of hatred, oppression & division to succeed in state: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*BJP is behaving like ISI by trying to disturb Punjab’s peace & communal harmony: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Every seed grows in Punjab except seed of hatred sown by BJP: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab will stop BJP’s politics of hatred & oppression just as King Porus stopped Alexander: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*BJP uses ED-CBI, communal tension & fear to weaken democracy, but Punjab will never bow: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

SANGRUR/PATIALA/SRI FATEHGARH SAHIB; 9th May 2026:Renewing his pledge to deal firmly with incidents of ‘beadbi’ (beadbi) and protect Punjab’s communal harmony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday thanked the people of Punjab for showering immense love and affection during the four-day-long ‘Shukrana Yatra’, which culminated at the sacred land of Sri Fatehgarh Sahib.

Addressing a massive gathering after paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the holy land of Fatehgarh Sahib inspires Punjabis to fight oppression, injustice and tyranny. He noted that the yatra began from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where the Khalsa was created. On the second day, the yatra paid obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib, followed by Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Gurdwara Mastuana Sahib on the third day. He added that after paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, the spiritually enriching yatra had now concluded.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the overwhelming affection shown by people during the yatra had filled the government with even greater humility, responsibility towards the aspirations of the people and accountability to their commands. He said, “Punjabis are extremely happy over his Government enacting the ‘Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026’, which stipulates stringent punishment for beadbi.”

Urging people to go village to village and make the masses aware about the law, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said anyone found indulging in this heinous crime would now be dealt with sternly and punished severely. He said previous governments neither had the intent nor the will to enact a law to stop beadbi due to which desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji became a recurring feature during their regimes. “Now this historic Act passed by the Punjab Government will put an end to this unpardonable offence because no one will dare indulge in such acts again,” he asserted.

Launching a sharp attack on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said they ordered firing on innocent people who had gathered to protest against beadbi incidents across Punjab. He remarked that the Akalis should be booked for the “genocide of generations” because the drug trade was patronised under their rule and flourished during their long misrule. He said, “The hands of those leaders are drenched in the blood of lakhs of youth who fell prey to drugs that were supplied in the state even through official vehicles.”

“These sins are unpardonable and Punjabis will never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, adding that the Akali leadership bruised the psyche of Punjabis emotionally through incidents of beadbi despite repeatedly seeking votes in the name of Gurbani.

Referring to the former Deputy Chief Minister’s claims about development during the Akali regime, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said they conveniently ignored the painful legacy of Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan and other beadbi incidents where innocent people lost their lives. He said Akali leaders mercilessly looted Punjab and committed numerous atrocities against common people during their tyrannical rule.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Akalis patronised mafias in Punjab and ruined generations through drugs and corruption. Taking a jibe at Sukhbir Badal, he said, “The Akalis have completely lost their connect with the masses and now relied on paid workers to create crowds in rallies. In every Akali rally, the same crowd can be seen. He added that those who once claimed they would rule Punjab for 25 years had now been politically rejected by the wise and courageous people of the state.

Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these opportunist leaders changed colours like a chameleon according to their convenience and political interests. He pointed out that those responsible for beadbi had once appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and admitted their mistakes publicly, but later took a complete U-turn when it no longer suited their political ambitions. “Punjab knows the real face of these leaders who repeatedly misled the people through political gimmicks,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the same people who were once considered invincible today cannot even find five members to constitute a committee for their own party. He reminded Punjabis that these leaders patronised gangsters and shielded drug smugglers who poisoned Punjab’s youth. “People trusted them repeatedly, but they backstabbed Punjab and its people every single time,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Akalis misused religion for vested political interests and therefore could never be forgiven by the people. He stated, “The AAP Government is fortunate to receive the responsibility of enacting this historic legislation, which would permanently curb beadbi incidents in the future.” He described beadbi as a deep-rooted conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in Punjab.

The Chief Minister said the law clearly stipulates exemplary punishment for anyone found guilty of beadbi and expressed confidence that it would act as a powerful deterrent in the future. “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh and it is our sacred duty to ensure its sanctity,” he stated, adding that Sikhs across the globe were expressing happiness and gratitude over the enactment of this historic law.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the sole purpose of the ‘Shukrana Yatra’ was to thank the Almighty for blessing the government with the courage and strength to enact this important legislation. Thanking people who gathered in huge numbers despite intense heat, he remarked that unlike leaders who step out of their homes only after checking the temperature, he always remains amongst the people for their welfare.

Referring to opposition against the law, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is unfortunate that even now some people continue opposing the legislation. Both the Akali Dal and Congress had approached the High Court seeking cancellation of the law. However, he said the High Court not only dismissed the petition but also imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on them and ‘showed them the door’.” He remarked that those opposing the law feared they themselves could be exposed for their involvement in beadbi incidents.

The Chief Minister said Punjabis had trusted these parties in the name of Baba Nanak, but instead they disrespected Gurbani by throwing sacred scriptures onto streets and garbage heaps. He said bullets were fired on peaceful congregations and Sikhs were martyred, yet excuses were made that police could not identify who had fired the shots. “Even after all this, they continue roaming shamelessly amongst the people,” he added.

Taking another jibe at Sukhbir Badal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he still walks around proudly saying “let my turn come,” but forgets that he already got five turns in power and Punjabis witnessed all his misdeeds. “Now if any turn comes, it will be his turn to go to jail because Punjabis want justice for the grave injustices committed against them,” he asserted.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I'm indebted to the people because millions of devotees had prayed for such a law to be enacted. The public response, affection and enthusiasm during the yatra showed that old wounds were finally beginning to heal and Punjabis were feeling peace in their hearts again.”

However, he said some individuals are still opposing the law because they themselves were somewhere involved in these acts. “Anyone opposing this law will effectively be seen as opposing the Guru because such people do not truly love the Guru and there is dishonesty in their hearts,” he stated.

The Chief Minister made it clear that there was absolutely no question of withdrawing the law because all rules and regulations had been framed clause by clause after consultations with Sant Samaj, eminent Sikh lawyers and retired judges across the country. He thanked the sangat for honouring him throughout the yatra and said many people waited for hours due to delays caused by massive crowds along the route.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said people continued standing in intense heat till late at night, for which he remained deeply grateful. Referring to ED actions in Punjab, he pointed out that the BJP does not love Punjab and instead harbours resentment against the state because it was forced to withdraw the farm laws. “PM Modi had taken the setback personally, which was why such actions were now taking place,” he added.

The Chief Minister said Punjab had repeatedly faced injustice from the Centre on issues including Panjab University, Chandigarh, BBMB, SYL, Harike canal, Republic Day tableaux, RDF funds and border area grants. Despite this discrimination, he noted, Punjab continued feeding the nation and this year too would contribute more wheat than expected to the central pool.

Drawing a historical comparison, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked that just as King Porus once stopped Alexander’s advance at Punjab, Punjabis would also stop the BJP’s so-called “victory chariot” if injustice, oppression and tyranny against Punjab continued.

“Every seed can grow in Punjab except the seed of hatred,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared, warning the BJP against attempts to spread division in the state. He said, “Creating rifts, riots, violence and firing have become the BJP’s political culture, but Punjab would never allow such tactics of polarisation and communal imbalance to succeed because Punjabis understood the party’s real character.”

The Chief Minister further remarked that some people claim the ISI is trying to disturb Punjab’s atmosphere, but quipped that “the BJP itself is behaving like the ISI.” He said whether it was Haryana, Manipur, Bengal, Maharashtra, Bihar or even Gujarat earlier, the BJP’s record remained the same. “They instigate communal tensions, fan riots and then play Holi with people’s blood,” he said, adding that such politics would never work in Punjab because the state had already suffered enough dark days and painful nights.

Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, with obeisance at the sacred land of martyrs, Fatehgarh Sahib, our four-day ‘Shukrana Yatra’ concluded. Beginning from Sri Anandpur Sahib and passing through various holy sites, we expressed gratitude to the Almighty who gave us the strength to enact a strict law against beadbi. Heartfelt thanks to the sangat for standing with us despite the extreme heat.”

The Chief Minister noted, “The ‘Jaagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act 2026’ has now received the assent of the Governor. Framed after consultations with Sikh scholars and legal experts, this stringent law will ensure that no guilty person can escape punishment. Rumours about the law being withdrawn are completely false. Those opposing it are, in reality, acting against the Guru Sahib.”

“The Centre continues to wrong Punjab on issues like Chandigarh, SYL, BBMB and our tableaux, while weakening democracy through agencies like the ED and CBI. But remember this: every seed may grow on the soil of Punjab, except the seed of hatred. “Your Lok Sewak” will always stand firmly to protect Punjab’s pride, rights and dignity,” the post concluded.

In another post, from his visit to Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, during the ‘Shukrana Yatra’, I was blessed with the opportunity to bow my head on the sacred land of Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, which stands witness to one of the greatest sacrifices in the history of the world. It is the very place where Mata Gujri Ji, while sitting in the Thanda Burj, gave strength to her beloved Sahibzadas, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, to remain steadfast on the path of truth.”

He further stated, “Those young Sahibzadas accepted being bricked alive into the walls, but refused to bow before tyranny. Inspired by that unparalleled legacy, our government has enacted a strict law in Punjab to eradicate the evil of beadbi from its roots.”

“On the land where the Sahibzadas sacrificed themselves to protect faith and righteousness, forgiving those who disrespect Guru Sahib would be the greatest sin. We have brought such a strong law that no one will dare cast an evil eye on Punjab’s communal harmony or on any religious scripture,” the post concluded.

*Massive public response marks ‘Shukrana Yatra’ across Punjab*

Meanwhile, during the four-day-long ‘Shukrana Yatra’, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann travelled across almost the entire state and received an overwhelming response from people at every stop. Throughout the yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann was warmly welcomed by the sangat and residents, garlanded at various places, honoured with siropas and showered with flower petals as thousands gathered on roadsides to greet him with immense enthusiasm and devotion.

The yatra began from Sri Anandpur Sahib and passed through Bharatgarh, Ropar, Balachaur, Banga and Phagwara on the first day. On the second day, the yatra travelled from Jalandhar through Adampur, Kartarpur, Baba Bakala, Raiyya, Jandiala, Amritsar South, East and Cen

tral, Patti, Zira, Ferozepur Rural, Faridkot and Kotkapura before reaching Bathinda via Bhucho Mandi. The third day covered Bathinda, Kotshamir, Talwandi Sabo, Sardulgarh, Mansa and Barnala before concluding at Gurdwara Mastuana Sahib. On Saturday, the yatra moved from Sangrur to Samana, Gurdwara Sri Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Patiala Rural and culminated at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib.