Bathinda

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to import what he described as “politics of fear and division” into Punjab ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, alleging that the party was trying to polarise communities for electoral gains.

Addressing people during the third day of his ‘Shukrana Yatra’ in Bathinda, Mann urged Punjabis to remain united and reject attempts to disturb the state’s long-standing communal harmony and brotherhood.

The chief minister began the day by paying obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib as part of his four-day statewide outreach programme launched to express gratitude over the implementation of the anti-sacrilege legislation.

Mann said he felt blessed to have had the opportunity to enact the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, which provides stricter punishment for sacrilege-related offences.

Launching a sharp political attack, he alleged that the same divisive strategies he claimed were used in West Bengal were now being attempted in Punjab as the state heads toward elections next year.

Coining the slogan “Punjab belongs to Punjabis,” Mann said forces trying to create communal divisions were enemies of the state’s peace and social fabric.

He claimed Punjab’s culture of collective celebrations and inter-community harmony would prevent such attempts from succeeding.

The chief minister also targeted ideological organisations linked to the BJP over nationalism, alleging that Punjabis—who made immense sacrifices during India’s freedom movement and the trauma of Partition—do not require certificates of patriotism from anyone.

He further accused opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, of having “looted” Punjab for decades while neglecting public welfare.

Mann also took aim at senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar and Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, saying the people of Punjab would not allow those who had allegedly betrayed the state to return to power.

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Punjab is scheduled to go to Assembly polls early next year.