Launching a scathing attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that the opposition party was seeking pardon from Akal Takht without naming its sins.

Hitting out at the Badal family and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh, Mann said, “These leaders ruled the state for a fairly long period, but they did nothing for the welfare of people.It is unfortunate that power remained in the hands of these leaders who misused it for their vested personal interests.”

“Those who claimed to rule the state for 25 years are not able muster the support of even 25 leaders today. It is paradoxical that Akali leaders are seeking pardon from Sri Akal Takht Sahib without naming the sin for which it is being sought. People of state have outrightly rejected these opportunist leaders who had always deceived the state,” he said.

In a written clarification submitted in a sealed letter at Akal Takht on July 24, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal had apologised for several mistakes, including favouring Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim and other anti-Panthic decisions taken by his party and his govt.

It was revealed on Aug 5 when Akal Takht placed the letter in the public domain.

A rebel group of SAD had also sought forgiveness at Akal Takht Sahib for several incidents that led to people’s disillusionment with the party.

Mann, who was speaking after handing over appointment letters to 417 youth, claimed that so far the state govt had given jobs to 44,667 persons in various departments.

While claiming that reverse migration had begun in the state, Mann said this has increased the faith of youth in working for the state govt.

“They have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for govt jobs,” he said. Listing the achievements of his govt, Mann said so far 44,667 jobs had been given, 300 units of free power has been offered for domestic consumers, Rs 1 crore is being given to families of martyrs.