*We expected Amit Shah to speak about MSP, loan waiver or special package for Punjab, but he left after merely abusing Punjabis: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Modi Govt has withheld Punjab’s RDF & GST funds, and has still not released ₹1,600 crore flood relief compensation: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has been given shelter by BJP Govt in Gujarat jail, and he isn't even being allowed to be brought to Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Stopping drug smuggling from across border is Centre’s responsibility, yet our govt is installing anti-drone systems with its own funds to curb drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*In Gujarat, lakhs of tonnes of drugs are being seized but no action is taken, while Punjab has launched country’s biggest campaign against drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab’s soil is fertile, but the seeds of BJP’s politics of religion & hatred will never grow here: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*In Punjab, BJP is ‘scooter party’ that dreams of capturing power in 2027 with help of Congress: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Amit Shah came Punjab only to speak ill of us & left without doing anything: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*From where will the BJP bring 117 candidates to contest alone in Punjab? CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*3,000 kg of drugs were seized at Gujarat port, why is there no action there? CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Progressive Punjab Investors Summit has received overwhelming support: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Investors are interacting with each other & discussing business opportunities in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

SAS NAGAR, 14 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday strongly criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for failing to address Punjab’s key concerns during his visit to the state, stating that people had expected announcements on MSP, farm loan waiver and a special package but were left disappointed. The Chief Minister said the BJP-led Centre has consistently discriminated against Punjab by withholding its rightful funds, ignoring farmers’ demands and failing to act on major drug seizures outside the state, while attempting to defame Punjab.

The Chief Minister asserted that despite such challenges, the Punjab Government is taking decisive steps to curb drugs, strengthen the economy and attract investment, adding that the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit has received overwhelming support from industry leaders exploring new opportunities in the state.

Interacting with the media on Saturday on the sidelines of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that farmers and citizens of Punjab had hoped for concrete decisions addressing their concerns. “We expected Amit Shah to speak about MSP, loan waiver or special package for Punjab, but he left after merely abusing Punjabis,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He added that people of Punjab were expecting big announcements such as a legal guarantee of MSP for crops, waiver of farm loans and other measures for farmers.

The Chief Minister also criticised the Centre for withholding Punjab’s rightful funds. “The Modi Government has withheld Punjab’s RDF and GST funds, and has still not released ₹1,600 crore flood relief compensation,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that despite tall claims made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding ₹1,600 crore in flood relief, Punjab had not received even ₹16 from that announcement. He added that during the devastating floods, leaders from the Centre only visited Punjab for what he termed “disaster tourism.”

Raising the issue of gangsterism, the Chief Minister said that the Union Government has failed to address the problem at a national level. “Punjab gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has been given shelter by BJP Govt in Gujarat jail, and he isn’t even being allowed to be brought to Punjab,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He described gangsterism as a national issue posing a serious threat to the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country and criticised the Union Government for failing to curb it.

Speaking on the issue of drugs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that preventing smuggling across the international border is primarily the responsibility of the Centre. “Stopping drug smuggling from across the border is the Centre’s responsibility, yet our government is installing anti-drone systems with its own funds to curb drugs,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He added that the Punjab Government has installed anti-drone technology along a 550 km long border to stop cross-border smuggling despite receiving no support from the central government.

He further questioned the lack of action against large seizures of narcotics outside Punjab. “In Gujarat, lakhs of tonnes of drugs are being seized but no action is taken, while Punjab has launched the country’s biggest campaign against drugs,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He pointed out that the entire nation knows that around 3,000 kg of drugs were seized at Mundra Port in Gujarat but no meaningful action has been taken against those responsible.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that divisive politics will never succeed in Punjab. “Punjab’s soil is fertile, but the seeds of the BJP’s politics of religion and hatred will never grow here,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Taking a dig at the BJP’s political ambitions in the state, the Chief Minister remarked, “In Punjab, BJP is a ‘scooter party’ that dreams of capturing power in 2027 with the help of Congress,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He also said that Amit Shah’s visit to Punjab had failed to address the real issues faced by people. “Amit Shah came to Punjab only to speak ill of us and left without doing anything,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Questioning the BJP’s claims regarding the upcoming Assembly elections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the party lacks the organisational strength to contest alone. “From where will the BJP bring 117 candidates to contest alone in Punjab?” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He added that since the BJP does not have enough leaders in the state, it will likely try to induct leaders from other parties to contest elections.

Raising the issue of drugs again, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asked, “3,000 kg of drugs were seized at a Gujarat port, why is there no action there?” He said the BJP government has failed to take strict action against drug smugglers despite such large seizures.

The Chief Minister added that the people of Punjab are well aware of the BJP’s political conduct. “Punjab knows the BJP very well; there is no place for politics of hatred in Punjab,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He recalled how farmers from Punjab were humiliated during the agitation against the farm laws and how more than 700 farmers attained martyrdom during that struggle.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted the achievements of the Punjab Government, stating that it has already provided more than 65,000 government jobs to the youth of the state, while the BJP’s promise of providing two crore jobs remains unfulfilled. He also remarked that the promised ₹15 lakh has never been deposited in the bank accounts of common citizens.

Criticising the Centre further, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Union Government has withheld Punjab’s legitimate share in RDF, GST, NHM and other funds, which is affecting the development of the state. He described this as a deliberate attempt to derail Punjab’s progress, peace and prosperity.

He also said that the Punjab Government has repeatedly recommended the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report for the benefit of farmers, but the Centre has not acted on it. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further cautioned that the proposed India–US agreement could adversely affect farmers.

The Chief Minister added that Punjab borrows funds from the same sources as BJP-ruled states do, and that this productive debt is utilised for providing services and facilities to the people. He remarked that the BJP is unable to digest the welfare-oriented policies of the Punjab Government.

Speaking about governance at the national level, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was unfortunate that the country is witnessing a situation where the Union Government appears to lack a clear foreign policy to safeguard national interests.

Meanwhile, speaking about the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit, the Chief Minister said that the event has received tremendous response from industry leaders and investors. “Progressive Punjab Investors Summit has received overwhelming support,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He added that the summit has created a strong platform for collaboration and investment. “Investors are interacting with each other and discussing business opportunities in Punjab,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

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*Punjab to set up 3 world-class exhibition centres at Ludhiana, New Chandigarh & Amritsar to boost industry and commerce: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Progressive Punjab Investors Summit has become powerful platform for investors to share ideas & explore opportunities: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab moving from traditional agriculture to value-added exports, food processing key to farmers’ prosperity: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*State preparing Punjab’s economy for next 50 years with strong focus on industry, exports and renewable energy: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

SAS NAGAR, 14 March 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the Punjab Government will establish three world-class exhibition centres at Ludhiana, New Chandigarh (Mohali) and Amritsar to give a major boost to industry and commerce in the state.

Interacting with industrialists during various sessions at the ongoing Progressive Punjab Investment Summit, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated participants for actively brainstorming on key economic and industrial issues affecting Punjab. “Punjab does not have big exhibition centres due to which the industry does not have proper places to showcase their products. To address this gap, the Punjab Government is in the process of setting up three world-class exhibition centres at Ludhiana, New Chandigarh and Amritsar on the lines of Pragati Maidan in New Delhi so that industry gets a strong platform to display their goods and boost economic activity,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Highlighting the significance of the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit, the Chief Minister said, “This summit has transformed into a well-managed platform where investors are sharing ideas and exploring opportunities in a big way. This will benefit both Punjab and the investors as we collectively work towards strengthening the state’s economy,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He emphasized that the Punjab Government is committed to strengthening the state’s export-driven economy and helping Punjab transition from traditional agricultural output to value-added exports. “Punjab is the land of revolution and Punjabis adopt new ideas quickly. That is why Punjabis have excelled in every sphere across the world. Our aim is to further strengthen the export-driven economy of Punjab as the state has enormous potential to move from traditional agricultural exports to value-added products,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister asserted that the Punjab Government is preparing the state for the next 50 years of economic growth with a clear vision of transforming Punjab into a global export hub. “Our goal is to prepare Punjab for the needs of the next fifty years. We want to develop Punjab as a major export hub. I urge investors to compare Punjab with any other state in the country and they will find that Punjab offers one of the best environments for investment. Though our population is only about 2 percent of the country, the sacrifices of Punjabis for the nation exceed 90 percent,” affirmed CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to the country’s food security, the Chief Minister noted that the state continues to be the food bowl of India. “Punjab produces around 185 lakh metric tonnes of rice and 125 lakh metric tonnes of wheat. Because of this contribution, Punjab is proudly known as the food bowl of the country,” noted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Describing the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit as a resounding success, the Chief Minister said, “All thirty sessions planned during the summit were fully attended, which shows the strong interest of the business community in Punjab’s growth story. At the same time, we must address the challenge that bumper agricultural production without value addition often creates imbalance between supply and demand,” observed CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He highlighted Punjab’s immense potential in food processing and cited examples of several regions known for specialized agricultural produce. “Punjab has tremendous potential in food processing. Pathankot’s litchis, Hoshiarpur’s mangoes and Jalandhar’s potatoes are examples of crops where value addition through food processing can significantly increase farmers’ income,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister emphasized that diversification of agriculture is essential to break the wheat-paddy cycle. “Farmers in Punjab want to move beyond the wheat-paddy cycle, but the challenge is the lack of viable alternatives. Food processing offers a practical solution. Farmers will adopt crops like maize if they receive income comparable to paddy. Therefore, we must ensure that diversification becomes economically viable for farmers,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Citing encouraging examples of agricultural diversification, the Chief Minister pointed out that vegetable cultivation has helped improve groundwater levels in some areas. “In certain areas, vegetable cultivation has led to a 57 percent improvement in groundwater levels in the 0–4 meter range. This shows that diversification can benefit both farmers and the environment,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He invited investors and delegates to share their ideas directly with the decision-making teams of the Punjab Government and also highlighted the success of the Kisan Ketchup plant at Nabha. “When the Kisan Ketchup plant was first set up in Nabha, tomatoes were imported from Maharashtra. Today, nearly sixty percent of the tomatoes are sourced locally from Punjab after farmers adopted the required varieties. This is a strong example of how agriculture and industry can work together,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Describing Punjab as a blessed land, the Chief Minister also announced enhanced subsidies under the new industrial policy. “Under the new industrial policies, subsidies for food processing industries will now go up to 125 percent. We are also promoting floriculture, which we aim to increase to sixteen percent. The Punjab Government has established a laboratory in Mohali to test pesticide residues for basmati rice growers, and we will ensure MSP support and state intervention if market prices fall below minimum levels,” affirmed CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said that the presence of major international companies already operating in Punjab reflects the confidence of global industry in the state’s industrial ecosystem. “Punjab offers strong advantages such as availability of raw material, established industrial clusters and proximity to key markets. The state already has strong sectors including textiles, auto components, FMCG products and construction materials,” noted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He further pointed out that Punjab is also emerging as an important hub for agrochemicals and fertilizers. “Punjab’s large agricultural economy creates strong demand for agrochemicals and fertilizers, and the state already hosts major players in this sector,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government recently launched the Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026, which he described as one of the most progressive policy frameworks in India for industrial growth. “The Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 provides strong support for investors, and Invest Punjab functions as a dedicated one-stop facilitation office to assist industries at every stage from approvals to project implementation,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Reiterating Punjab’s historic role in ensuring national food security, the Chief Minister said that agriculture and allied sectors continue to support a large share of the state’s workforce. “Punjab has always been the food bowl of India and our farmers have played a historic role in ensuring food security for the nation. Agriculture and allied sectors remain a key pillar of our economy,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

However, he emphasized that the next phase of agricultural growth must focus on value addition. “The future of Punjab’s agriculture lies not only in producing crops but in converting them into processed and branded food products for domestic and international markets,” asserted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He noted that global food consumption patterns are rapidly changing with increasing demand for ready-to-eat foods, packaged products, health foods and processed agricultural products. “This change in global consumption patterns presents a major opportunity for Punjab to move from farm produce to food products,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab already possesses strong infrastructure to support this transformation. “Punjab already has Mega Food Parks, cold storages, food storage depots and strong logistics connectivity that support modern food processing and efficient supply chains,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He said that the Punjab Government’s vision is to build strong partnerships between farmers and industry. “When farmers, food processors, exporters and logistics providers work together, it increases farmers’ income, generates employment for youth and expands export opportunities for Punjab,” affirmed CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Punjab has long been known for enterprise, manufacturing strength and strong global trade connections. “Today the Punjab Government is working to further strengthen Punjab’s position as an export-driven industrial economy,” noted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He highlighted that Punjab currently exports goods worth over USD 7 billion and has a strong presence in sectors such as agriculture, engineering goods, textiles, auto components and pharmaceuticals. “With more than fourteen lakh MSMEs, Punjab has a strong base of enterprises that contribute to exports, employment and industrial growth,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government aims to transform Punjab into a major export hub of North India by combining manufacturing strength with efficient logistics systems. “We invite industry leaders, exporters and logistics companies to partner with Punjab in expanding our global footprint,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Highlighting the importance of sustainable development, the Chief Minister also spoke about Punjab’s transition towards clean and reliable energy. “Punjab is steadily moving towards clean and reliable energy as part of our long-term development strategy. Renewable energy will play a key role in meeting growing industrial demand, agricultural needs and emerging sectors such as electric mobility,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He added that Punjab has a natural advantage in bioenergy because of its strong agricultural base. “Punjab produces nearly twenty million tonnes of paddy straw every year. What was once seen as a challenge is now being converted into an opportunity through biomass power, compressed biogas and waste-to-energy projects,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

“Bioenergy will help address stubble management, generate additional rural income, support clean fuel transition for industry and build a circular economy where agricultural residue becomes an energy resource,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Sanjeev Arora and Gurmeet Singh Khudian along with other dignitaries were also present.

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*Strategic consultation held with GCC leaders to shape Punjab's technology driven ecosystem: Sanjeev Arora*

*Mohali emerging as preferred GCC destination: Seema Bansal*

Chandigarh 14 Match 2026:Strategic consultation held with GCC leaders to shape Punjab's vision, policy framework, and ecosystem for making Mohali a preferred GCC destination. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora informed in the GCC round table conference that the Information Technology (IT) sector has become a powerful catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and knowledge-driven development across the world. Mohali is rapidly emerging as an important destination for technology-led investments, supported by a strong talent pool, modern infrastructure, and a progressive policy environment that encourages digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Recognising the immense potential of the IT sector, the Government of Punjab is committed to create a vibrant ecosystem that supports software development, digital services, artificial intelligence, data analytics, fintech, cybersecurity, and emerging technology solutions. The State is also encouraging the establishment of Global Capability Centres (GCCs), technology development hubs, and innovation-driven startups that can serve global, markets of Punjab.

The Mohali- Chandigarh technology corridor has already evolved into a key hub for IT and IT-enabled services, attracting leading companies and fostering a dynamic ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and professionals technology.

World-class educational institutions are producing highly skilled graduates every year, Punjab offers a strong pipeline of talent for technology-driven industries,he added.

Seema Bansal Vice Chairperson Punjab Development Commission informed that newly launched industrial policy provides a competitive incentive framework that supports investments in IT parks, technology campuses, research and development facilities, and innovation centres. Key incentives to be given include capital subsidies, employment generation incentives, SGST reimbursement, and infrastructure support, enabling companies to scale operations efficiently.

Furthermore she highlighted that Punjab's strategic location, excellent connectivity, and quality of life make it an attractive destination for technology professionals and global companies alike.

She said Punjab Government has adopted flexible incentive structure designed to facilitate investments. Now Investors can choose incentive disbursement period from 10 to 15 years.Overall incentives up to 125% of FCI for IT/ITES units and GCC; 80% of FCI for Data Centres. She stated that incentives to be disbursed in annual equal instalments.

Ms. Sreyssha George Managing Director & Partner, BCG, Ms. Shalini Pillay India Leader - GCC, KPMG India, Mr. Shivraj Palta Chief Strategy Officer, Everise

, Mr. Gautam Jha Lead AI/ML Partner Specialist, AWS, Mr. Achutya Ghosh Executive Research Leader, HFS Research, Dr. Bimal Deep Singh Infosys,

Mr. Dushyant Thakor Deputy Executive Director, WAΙΡΑ, Karthikeyen Kulathumani Vice President, Invest India

Mr. Sanjeev Pahwa Cotiviti were present in GCC round table conference