Bhagwant Mann took oath as Punjab Chief Minister on Wednesday at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Punjab’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district.
He now becomes the first non-Congress and non-Akali leader to become the CM after the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966. Inviting people of Punjab to his oath-taking ceremony, Mann told them it will be their government.
In his inaugural speech, he vowed to turn the state around like Delhi. Mann also thanked AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
Bhagwant Mann was administered the oath of office as Punjab chief minister by Governor Banwari Lal Purohit here on Wednesday.
Inderbir Singh Nijjer, Amrtisar South MLA, was appointed Protem Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, ahead of the session scheduled from March 17 to 22.
After the swearing-in, addressing his supporters sporting yellow turbans and dupattas, Mann said, “We are already late. We will begin our journey today itself – our long journey to end unemployment, usher reforms in agriculture, improve hospitals and transform education.”
10 takeaways from his speech: “I thank everyone present here in Bhagat Singh’s paternal home in the oath ceremony.”
“To my left is the Cabinet of Delhi and to my right are those 91 who have been elected. Let’s give them a huge round of applause.”
“There is a special reason to be here. Earlier, oath ceremonies used to happen in cricket stadiums and Raj Bhawan. I have a special place for Bhagat Singh in my heart.”
“We are here for you. We will work on unemployment, agriculture. I am the Chief Minister of everyone in Punjab, even those who did not vote for our party (Aam Aadmi Party).”
“Bhagat Singh said ‘It is everyone’s right to love’. Love your motherland, love the soil that gave birth to you.”
“A golden chapter has started in history and it will be taught in schools. We seek blessings from the martyrs, freedom fighters and elders, and thank you (the people of Punjab) for this support.””You see how people from different countries visit Delhi to see the Mohalla Clinics and government schools. We’ll also turnaround Punjab like that.”
“I also thank Arvind Kejriwal who founded this party and brought it to Punjab.”
“It was a much-awaited dream to visit and pay homage to Bhagat Singh’s village and work for Punjab and its people. The true rulers are those who rule the hearts of the people.”
“We will start slowly. I appeal to all of you to not start a fight on on social media – or use bad words. People should feel that a mature government is in power.”
