Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann alleges ‘undeclared lockdown’, seeks disclosure of reserves

Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday alleged that the Narendra Modi-led Centre had pushed the country into an "undeclared lockdown" while concealing the true state of the economy. He also demanded public disclosure of India's oil, gas and gold reserves.Speaking to reporters during his Patna visit, Mann accused the Centre of suppressing fuel prices until assembly elections and burdening citizens with hikes immediately afterwards. "The consequences of these restrictions are being borne by the entire nation while the Centre continues to hide the real condition of the economy," he said, targeting the BJP-led govt over inflation and alleged "manipulation of democratic processes".Mann said the Prime Minister should disclose the country's oil, gas and gold reserves so people could know the actual economic situation. "The people have the right to know the truth about the economy," he said.He also alleged hypocrisy in PM Modi advising people to avoid foreign travel while travelling abroad himself. Mann said people should not suffer because of the "whims and fancies" of leaders.On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Punjab, Mann said the AAP and the Punjab govt would ensure that neither genuine voters were deleted nor fake voters added. He said the process would begin in Punjab from June 15 and AAP volunteers had been directed to remain vigilant throughout the exercise.Targeting the Centre over fuel price hikes, Mann alleged that petrol and diesel prices were kept in check till elections and raised by ₹3 per litre immediately after the polls."Under the guise of war in Gulf countries, people are being crushed under the burden of inflation," he alleged, adding that if PM Modi could not explain the country's economic condition and foreign policy, "he should ask his friend, US President Donald Trump, about it".On the Jaagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, Mann said the law fulfilled a long-pending demand of the Sikh sangat by ensuring strict punishment for beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He claimed the legislation was stringent enough to deter future incidents.Referring to seven AAP MPs joining the BJP, Mann said the party had approached the President seeking action. He added that it was ironic that the BJP, despite having only two MLAs in Punjab, had six Rajya Sabha MPs from the state, which he termed a "murder of democracy".