Chandigarh: A political war erupted in Punjab after chief minister Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of attempting to turn the state into a “laboratory of fear and violence” ahead of assembly elections early next year, alleging that the twin blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar were part of a “deliberate strategy” to destabilise the state following the passage of the anti-sacrilege law.Reacting strongly, the BJP slammed his statement as “reckless and irresponsible” and dared him to provide proof or resign from his post. Addressing the media in Ropar on the sidelines of the ‘Shukrana Yatra’ — a four-day thanksgiving tour following the passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 — Mann said, “The BJP is trying to create unrest in Punjab on the pattern of West Bengal to win the polls to be held early next year. Violence, divisiveness, and communal tension are patents of the BJP and an integral part of the saffron party’s politics. But the people of Punjab are politically aware and united against such conspiracies.” Replying to a question, Mann said, “This is BJP’s style of working — in any state where they want to contest elections, they first create riots, carry out small blasts, and divide people on the basis of religion and caste. This is BJP’s election preparation in Punjab. Law and order will be maintained, and the guilty will be given strict punishment. I want to tell BJP that Punjab has seen many dark days, and now Punjabis will not tolerate this.” “…Anything can germinate on the fertile land of Punjab, but seeds of hatred can never grow here,” he said, asserting that Punjab has always stood as a symbol of communal harmony, resilience, and brotherhood, and any attempt to disturb this atmosphere would be firmly resisted by the govt and the people alike. Mann alleged, “This divisive politics is being pursued by the BJP in every poll-bound state for electoral gains. The people are already upset over the sacrilege incidents, and the BJP wanted to exploit these to create communal tension and make people fight among themselves,” he said. Mann said the passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, had effectively foiled such conspiracies. “Frustrated by this, the BJP is now resorting to attempts to disturb the hard-earned peace of Punjab, but such moves will not be allowed at any cost,” he added. Reiterating the state govt’s zero-tolerance policy against activities threatening Punjab’s safety and integrity, Mann said those responsible for the blasts would soon be exposed. “All those involved in this heinous crime against humanity will be brought to book and put behind bars very soon. The strictest punishment will be ensured because the Punjab govt has zero tolerance for any activity that threatens the peace and integrity of the state,” he said. Mann called upon the people of Punjab to remain united and vigilant against forces trying to disrupt the state’s harmony. ‘EC NEUTRALITY UNDER DOUBT’ Responding to queries regarding recent assembly election results and allegations raised in other states, CM Bhagwant Mann said serious questions were being raised over the functioning and neutrality of the Election Commission (EC). “Questions surrounding the neutrality of the EC are fatal for democracy. Doubts regarding the electoral process must be addressed transparently, and the EC should come forward to clear the air because such issues strike at the very core of democracy. This is nothing short of murder of democratic values,” he said. MSID:: 130852020 413 |
