Punjab CM accuses SAD workers of removing ID cards of Tirth Yatra Yojana pilgrims

Addressing a Lok Milni programme at Moga’s Charik village, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann termed the move unfortunate and vindictive

Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday accused Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) workers of removing identity (ID) cards bearing his photograph from elderly pilgrims visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar under the state government’s tirath yatra (pilgrimage) scheme.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurating a private hospital in Moga on Saturday. (@BhagwantMann X)

Addressing a Lok Milni programme at Moga’s Charik village, Mann termed the move unfortunate and vindictive. The CM said the ID cards are issued to senior citizen pilgrims to help identify and track them in case they get separated amid the heavy rush at the shrine.

Speaking on the power situation in the state, Mann claimed that Punjab was generating and purchasing enough electricity and there was no shortage.

On the occasion, the CM handed over cheques for ₹51 lakh to three panchayats falling under Charik village.

Addressing another function in Moga town while inaugurating a private hospital, the CM said the network of 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics offers 46 tests and 126 medicines free of cost, and 5.5 crore OPD consultations have been recorded so far.

He also said Punjab’s Sadak Surakhya Force, a state-specific initiative, has been able to reduce road accident-related deaths due to prompt assistance offered by the dedicated force.