Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government for imposing what he called an “undeclared lockdown” in the country. He accused the government of concealing the true state of the economy from the public and artificially suppressing fuel prices during elections, only to burden citizens with price hikes afterward.
Mann demanded transparency from the Centre regarding India’s oil, gas, and gold reserves. He emphasized the need for the government to disclose this information to the public to provide clarity on the nation’s economic status. The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring the integrity of voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision process in Punjab.
Speaking on the Jaagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, Mann stated that the law addresses a longstanding demand of the Sikh community by imposing strict penalties for any disrespect shown to Guru Granth Sahib. He criticized the government for increasing fuel prices immediately after the recent Assembly elections, attributing the hikes to global conflicts and inflation pressures.
Mann urged the Prime Minister to reveal the country’s reserves of oil, gas, and gold to the public, emphasizing the citizens’ right to accurate economic information. He condemned the government’s actions of raising fuel prices post-elections, citing the impact on inflation and the financial burden on the populace. The Chief Minister called for transparency in economic matters and criticized the government for allegedly hiding crucial facts from the public.
