BJP trying to disturb peace in Punjab ahead of Assembly elections: CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today alleged that the BJP was attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and violence in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. Speaking to mediapersons after paying obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Mann claimed that the saffron party was uncomfortable with the implementation of the anti-sacrilege law passed by the Punjab Government.

The Chief Minister was in Anandpur Sahib to launch the party’s four-day ‘Shukrana Yatra’, a political outreach programme aimed at highlighting the passage of the anti-sacrilege law and thanking people for supporting the government’s initiative. Mann said the legislation had strengthened the government’s resolve to curb incidents of sacrilege in the state.

Addressing reporters, Mann alleged that the BJP had historically tried to polarise society and engineer unrest in poll-bound states for political gains. “Punjab is a peaceful state and people here want harmony and brotherhood. The BJP is trying to disturb this atmosphere by creating fear and tension ahead of elections,” he said.

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Referring to the anti-sacrilege law, Mann said the BJP was “uneasy” because the law had closed avenues for forces trying to exploit religious sentiments in Punjab. He claimed that earlier, attempts could have been made to create divisions among communities through sacrilege incidents, but with stringent legal provisions now in place, such conspiracies would not succeed.

“The law has sent a strong message that anyone attempting sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib will face strict punishment. This has frustrated those who used such incidents to divide society,” Mann said.

Political observers believe Mann’s sharp attack on the BJP is also aimed at consolidating Sikh and Panthic sentiment ahead of the Assembly elections. By linking the anti-sacrilege law with Punjab’s law-and-order narrative, the AAP government appears to be positioning itself as a protector of religious sentiments and state peace. The remarks may also help the ruling party shift political discourse toward emotive issues such as sacrilege and federal politics, areas in which AAP believes the BJP has limited ground support in Punjab.

However, the allegations are likely to intensify political confrontation between the two parties in the coming months.

The Chief Minister also expressed apprehension over the recent bomb blasts reported from different parts of Punjab. He alleged that such incidents might have been orchestrated by the BJP to destabilise the state politically. “The BJP has a history of creating unrest in states heading towards elections. Punjab has remained peaceful, and the party should refrain from indulging in such activities,” he said.

Mann reiterated that his government was committed to maintaining communal harmony and ensuring strict action against anyone attempting to disturb peace in the state. He also appealed to people to remain vigilant against divisive forces and support efforts aimed at preserving Punjab’s social fabric.

The ‘Shukrana Yatra’ launched from Anandpur Sahib is expected to cover several Assembly constituencies over the next four days, during which AAP leaders will interact with people and highlight the state government’s achievements, particularly the passage of the anti-sacrilege legislation.