PATHANKOT: Continuing its major state-wide devotional and welfare outreach across Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann joined thousands of devotees at the “Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam” bhajan sandhya in Pathankot on Friday.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting every faith, Kejriwal stated that Punjab is witnessing unprecedented, large-scale efforts to celebrate Sanatan traditions alongside the rich spiritual heritage of all religions. The high-profile event, featuring a performance by renowned devotional singer Kailash Kher, also saw the participation of senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia.
Key Financial Welfare Announcements
During the massive gathering, the AAP leadership directly addressed beneficiaries of the state’s flagship social security scheme, the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojna, which provides financial assistance to women.
Addressing the crowd, the AAP Supremo made a significant announcement regarding pending financial transfers:
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Direct Transfers on August 1: Acknowedging that many women have completed their registration but are awaiting their payouts, Kejriwal announced that CM Bhagwant Mann will visit Pathankot on August 1, 2026, to oversee the direct transfer of pending funds into their bank accounts.
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Corruption-Free Governance: Kejriwal lauded CM Mann’s administration, stating that for the first time, Punjab has an honest leadership that has saved public funds to provide free electricity to 90% of households, an enhanced Sehat Beema health cover of up to ₹10 lakh, and regular monthly Sanman Rashi deposits of ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 for women.
Expansion of Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna
In a move to significantly scale up the state-sponsored pilgrimage scheme, Kejriwal announced the addition of three new major travel routes starting August 1:
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Route 1: Khatu Shyam Ji and Salasar Ji
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Route 2: Haridwar and Rishikesh
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Route 3: Mathura and Vrindavan
These new destinations will expand upon the existing routes to Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib. The government has completed arrangements to facilitate free teerth yatras for 1.5 lakh pilgrims across these three new routes.
Major Religious Infrastructure Projects
The AAP Chief detailed several ongoing, mega-scale religious infrastructure developments aimed at boosting cultural tourism and preserving heritage in the state:
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Patiala Kali Mata Mandir: The historic and highly revered shrine is undergoing a complete ₹80 crore comprehensive renovation. The project is scheduled for completion by October 2026.
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Sita Mata & Luv Kush Mandir: The government has decided to construct a grand new temple complex dedicated to Sita Mata, Luv, and Kush adjacent to the historic Bhagwan Valmiki Mandir in Amritsar.
‘No Seed of Hatred Can Grow in Punjab’: CM Mann
Paying obeisance to Bhagwan Shiva, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann praised the deep communal harmony and resilience of the state’s social fabric.
“Punjab’s soil is extremely fertile and every seed sown here grows. But there is one seed that can never grow in Punjab, and that is the seed of hatred. Brotherhood in Punjab is very strong and our social bonding is equally strong. The festivals and traditions of Punjab belong to everyone,” CM Mann asserted, noting that Ram Navami, Gurpurabs, Hanuman Jayanti, Eid, and Shaheedi Dihadas are collectively shared by all citizens.
Reassuring the residents of Pathankot, the Chief Minister dismissed previous regimes’ excuses regarding lack of resources. He emphasized that by systematically plugging leakages and eliminating corruption, the state treasury remains entirely open for public development.
Mann highlighted that over his four-and-a-quarter years in office, the government has constructed widespread road networks, provided regular government jobs to around 60,000 youth, and ensured completely free treatment for common citizens. He concluded with a passionate appeal to the public to remain united to eliminate drugs, unemployment, and corruption, working collectively to build a vibrant “Rangla Punjab.”
