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Bathinda: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of orchestrating a conspiracy to disturb Punjab’s communal harmony by tampering with a video of former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.

Addressing a press conference in Bathinda, Mann asserted that the Punjab government would foil any such divisive designs, reiterating that the state’s secular fabric would not be torn apart for political gain. He said forensic examination had clearly established that Atishi never used the word “Guru”, and alleged that the BJP had inserted false subtitles into the Delhi Assembly clip to hurt Sikh sentiments deliberately.

Calling the act “beadbi (sacrilege)”, the Chief Minister strongly defended the Punjab Police action against BJP leader Kapil Mishra, stating that registering a case against him was fully justified.

‘No Such Statement in Assembly Records’

Mann said the allegedly objectionable statement attributed to Atishi does not figure anywhere in the official records of the Delhi Assembly.
“If such a statement had been made, the Speaker would have complete information about it. The absence of any such record exposes the BJP’s lie,” he said.

He added that the forensic investigation conclusively proved the video was morphed, and accused the BJP of repeatedly misrepresenting facts to suit its political narrative.
“By circulating an edited clip, they have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh sangat. This is intolerable, and those responsible will be punished as per law,” he said.

Opposition Leaders ‘Trapped Defending Lies’

The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP harbours an anti-Punjab mindset, citing issues such as Chandigarh, BBMB, Panjab University, Republic Day tableaux, and other long-standing disputes.

He claimed that senior leaders like Amarinder Singh, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu were now in an “awkward position”, being forced to defend what he termed the BJP’s fabricated narratives.

Mann also aimed at Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of “shedding crocodile tears” over Punjab’s issues while having earlier supported anti-farmer decisions and praised the Centre during the farm laws episode.

‘Politics of Communalism and Hatred’

“From the very beginning, the BJP has practised the politics of communalism, divisiveness and hatred,” Mann alleged, adding that with elections approaching, the party had intensified efforts to polarise Punjab on religious lines.

He further claimed that the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP were speaking with one voice against the Punjab government, often issuing “identical press notes” to spread misinformation.

On Sikh Institutions and Akal Takht

Referring to his forthcoming appearance before the Akal Takht on January 15, Mann said he would present all facts with humility.
“For me, Sri Akal Takht Sahib is above everything. Any order from there will be obeyed in letter and spirit. Its command has always been supreme for my family and me,” he said.

Clarifying the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Mann said there was no political motive behind it.
“Only those who have committed this sin are afraid of the probe,” he said, adding that misleading statements were often issued by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee authorities whenever it suited their interests.

‘Opposition Has Lost Mental Balance’

The Chief Minister concluded by saying that the opposition had lost its mental balance due to a lack of real issues against his government. Despite this, he said, the AAP-led government remained focused on governance and welfare.

Highlighting achievements in education, Mann said Punjab had topped the National Assessment Survey, surpassing Kerala for the first time. He added that 848 government school students qualified for NEET, 265 cleared JEE Mains, and 45 cleared JEE Advanced. At the same time, principals and teachers were being sent to Singapore, Finland and Ahmedabad for training.“Our focus remains inclusive development and the welfare of every section of society,” the Chief Minister said.