Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal led an extensive engagement with industrialists and traders during the Sarkar Vapaar Milnis held successively in Ludhiana and Amritsar on Sunday. The back-to-back events witnessed a significant turnout of entrepreneurs, businessmen, and stakeholders from various sectors, reflecting the importance of the governments interaction with the business community.   Mann, addressing the audience in Ludhiana, emphasized the importance of empowering the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by securing victory on all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab. He underscored the significance of this move in combatting the discriminatory policies of the Union government.   Criticizing the inaction of state MPs regarding the rejection of the state tableau by the Central Government for this years Republic Day parade, Mann highlighted that only Jalandhar MP raised the issue. Expressing disappointment over their silence on state matters, he called for a change by advocating for all 13 Lok Sabha seats to be allocated to AAP. This would ensure that the concerns of Punjab are vigorously advocated for at the Center, safeguarding the interests of its people, he said.   Joining in while underlining the challenges faced by AAP-led Government in Punjab, Kejriwal said: Mann is fighting with the Centre, and the Governor on a daily basis…They are sitting on states funds of at least Rs 8,000 crore. Those funds belong to the people of Punjab, not them. Every day, the Governor harasses Mann Saab.   Mann criticized previous administrations, particularly the Badal and Capt Amarinder-led governments, for exploiting the states resources for personal gain, resulting in significant losses. He highlighted the contrast between the AAP governments focus on genuine development and the past regimes self-serving agendas.   Meanwhile, Kejriwal echoed Manns sentiments, urging the people to avenge Punjabs humiliation by rejecting the Centres anti-Punjab stance. He condemned the rejection of Punjabs tableau by the Union Government and emphasized the need for all 13 Lok Sabha seats to be allocated to AAP for a stronger voice against such injustices.   Have you ever seen two chief ministers touring government schools to make them better? When these students pass out, they earn Rs three to four lakh a month, while their parents earn Rs 7,000-8,000 a month. Like previous governments, did we ever say that state treasury is empty or the government doesnt have money? questioned Kejriwal, emphasizing the governments commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities through education.   While engaging with the traders, emphasizing their crucial role in the states economy, both Mann and Kejriwal reassured the trading community of the Governments commitment to facilitating their growth and eliminating harassment.   Kejriwal highlighted the successful implementation of similar initiatives in Delhi, such as the establishment of Aam Aadmi Clinics and improvement of government schools, as models for Punjabs development.   In addition to economic discussions, the Chief Ministers addressed concerns related to law and order, infrastructure, and healthcare. They emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the government and industrialists to drive Punjabs progress.   The Sarkar Vapaar Milni in Amritsar witnessed a continuation of the discussions initiated in Ludhiana, with a renewed focus on addressing the challenges faced by the industrial and trading community.   Mann, addressing the gathering, reiterated the Governments commitment to fostering an environment conducive to business growth and prosperity. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to attract investments and create employment opportunities in the state. We are not here in politics to earn money or enjoy fruits of power but to serve the people. Every effort is being made to ensure the well-being of the people of the state, Mann reiterated, highlighting the governments priorities.   The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of empowering local industries and ensuring their sustainability in the face of global competition. He pledged to provide necessary support and incentives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among youth and small-scale enterprises.   Kejriwal, in his address, lauded the Punjab Governments efforts to improve the business environment and streamline administrative procedures for the benefit of traders and industrialists. He called for greater collaboration between the government and the business community to address key challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.   The era of harassment of the industry and traders is over, and the State Government will now act as a facilitator to them. Unlike in the past, no one will harass the industrialists; rather, the State Government will make every effort to promote and encourage the industry, Kejriwal assured, highlighting the Governments commitment to ease of doing business.   The Chief Ministers also discussed issues related to infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and access to finance for businesses. They stressed the need for concerted efforts to upgrade industrial infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and bridge skill gaps to meet the evolving demands of the industry.   Mann Attributes Paradigm Shift in Politics to Kejriwals Influence Praising Kejriwal for his transformative impact on Indian politics, Mann attributed the shift towards people-centric governance to the Delhi Chief Minister. Mann noted that Kejriwals emphasis on value-based politics over divisive tactics has compelled parties to prioritize welfare guarantees for citizens over traditional manifestos.   He highlighted the departure from past norms where leaders like Sukhbir Badal, (Partap Singh) Bajwa, and (Bikram) Majithia distanced themselves from the populace, citing security concerns. Mann underscored the significance of frequent dialogues across society, citing Kejriwals selfless dedication to public service as emblematic of a new era inspired by the legacy of freedom fighters like Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Arvind Kejriwal is a living legend who had left his lucrative and coveted job of IRS officer just for the service of the nation and its people, he said.   Mann, Kejriwal Pledge Support for Traders, Declare End to Harassment Era Mann emphasized a new era of support for industry and traders, declaring an end to the era of harassment and pledging the State Governments role as a facilitator for economic growth. Mann highlighted the states commitment to promoting, safeguarding, and expanding industrial units, recognizing their pivotal role in the nations socio-economic development.   He assured that the government would actively protect their interests and foster a conducive environment for their prosperity.   Echoing similar sentiments, Kejriwal praised AAPs pro-trader stance, contrasting it with previous regimes that often vilified traders. Kejriwal emphasized a shift towards partnership with traders, aiming to integrate them as active participants in the states progress rather than treating them as mere political fundraisers.   Both leaders underscored the importance of enhanced coordination between the government and traders, advocating for swift resolution of issues hindering economic growth. Kejriwal criticized the Union Government for impeding the functioning of non-BJP states, asserting their commitment to prioritizing peoples welfare over political agendas.   In their joint efforts, Mann and Kejriwal reiterated their dedication to ensuring every penny from the state exchequer is directed towards the populaces well-being, signaling a transformative shift towards inclusive governance and economic empowerment. Two CMs have brought the State Government at the doorsteps of the people, which is unprecedented as no one has ever bothered about you, said Kejriwal.   Mann Claims Robust Law and Order; Says Industries Coming to State Mann highlighted the commendable law and order situation in Punjab, and the resultant influx of industries into the State. He contrasted this with past practices where leaders sought shares in ventures, emphasizing a shift towards agreements focused on the states progress.   Mann noted investments worth Rs 70,000 crore, with companies like Tata Steel and Sanatan Textiles eager to invest. He reiterated the governments commitment to safeguarding local industry interests, emphasizing their role as the states true ambassadors and pledging support for their expansion.   Mann Challenges Convent-Educated Leaders to Pass Punjabi Written Test In a unique challenge, Mann threw down the gauntlet to the opposition leaders — Harsimrat Badal, Bikram Singh Majithia, Partap Singh Bajwa, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Navjot Singh Sidhu — daring them to ace a Punjabi language written test.   With a mischievous grin, Mann quipped that these leaders, despite their convent education, would find themselves in a linguistic labyrinth. He humorously suggested that even armed with the answers, their journey through the Punjabi language might resemble a rollercoaster ride, leaving them grasping for linguistic straws.   These convent educated leaders will not be able to pass the Punjabi language examination due to their scant knowledge of the mother tongue…Even if these leaders are provided with the answers, they would likely struggle to write them correctly, he quipped.  

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