Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday described the recent explosions in Amritsar and Jalandhar as “minor incidents” and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to create fear in the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters in Anandpur Sahib, Mann alleged that the BJP was trying to generate an atmosphere of insecurity to influence voters and gain political advantage.

He claimed that after the conclusion of elections in West Bengal, statements suggesting that Punjab was the party’s next political focus indicated a deliberate strategy, adding that the recent blasts could be part of preparations linked to the state polls.

The chief minister further accused the BJP of repeatedly resorting to divisive politics and fear-based campaigns in states where elections are approaching. He urged the party to refrain from such methods, asserting that Punjab has always stood for peace and harmony.

Referring to the state’s recently enacted anti-sacrilege legislation, Mann said the law would help prevent attempts to trigger communal tensions or disturb social unity.

He also questioned whether such incidents were being used to intimidate voters, recalling Punjab’s difficult history and warning against any effort to drag the state back into instability.

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Two explosions were reported late Tuesday night—one near the Border Security Force frontier headquarters in Jalandhar and another close to the army cantonment area in Khasa near Amritsar. Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents.