{
  "id": 3579668,
  "title": "In Majithia stronghold, CM Bhagwant Mann: SAD on its knees, begging BJP for alliance",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/in-majithia-stronghold-cm-bhagwant-mann-sad-on-its-knees-begging-bjp",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T19:49:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/in-majithia-stronghold-cm-bhagwant-mann-sad-on-its-knees-begging-bjp-for-alliance-10851118/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leadership in Majitha, a stronghold considered to be theirs. During a 'Lok Milni' event, he accused the SAD of being desperate to form an alliance with the BJP to regain power in Punjab. This way, they could allegedly \"plunder\" the state once more. Mann highlighted the SAD's failings under their previous regime, including the rise of the drug crisis and pushing the state towards political turmoil. He claimed that the SAD leadership, including Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, needed the BJP's support to return to power. However, he stated that the wise people of Punjab would once again reject them. Mann further accused the SAD of concentrating power in the hands of the privileged few while neglecting the common people's needs. He emphasized his government's focus on progressive development, job creation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements. He also targeted the Congress party, saying it was on its deathbed and had no vision for Punjab or its people. Mann accused Congress leaders of being unaware of the correct pronunciation of the names of their opponents in Punjab. He criticized the opposition parties' shifting allegiance and the people's rejection of the old politics of division and exploitation. Under Mann's administration, 70,000 jobs were created solely on merit, with no bribes or recommendations. Schools have also seen significant improvements, with students now qualifying for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "CM Bhagwant Mann criticizes SAD leadership in Majitha stronghold",
    "SAD desperate to ally with BJP to regain power in Punjab",
    "Mann highlights SAD's failures and neglect of common people"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}