Bhagwant Mann calls on PM Modi: 'Punjab needs Rs 1 lakh crore package'

"We need the support of the Centre to maintain national security. Punjab's financial condition is in the doldrums. We have demanded Rs 50,000 crore package per year for the next two years to improve the state's financial situation," CM Mann said after his meeting with PM Modi.

Chandigarh(Punjab):Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in their first meeting after he was sworn in on March 16. Mann met Modi at the latter's office in Parliament.

"We need the support of the Centre to maintain national security. Punjab's financial condition is in the doldrums. We have demanded Rs 50,000 crore package per year for the next two years to improve the state's financial situation," CM Mann said after his meeting with PM Modi. Mann has promised a crackdown on corruption and a slew of welfare measures for the state's population.

Being a border state, understanding between Punjab and the Central government is very important. Apart from development, border security is also a key issue in Punjab as cases of Pakistan smuggling drugs and arms through drones from the international border have come to the fore. Riding a wave for change, the Aam Aadmi Party won 92 seats in the 117-member state assembly in the recently held polls. Bhagwant Mann is set to meet Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal as well today