Saptrishi Soni:
Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday strongly defended Punjab’s communal harmony and accused opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party, of attempting to create division and political unrest in the state. Addressing large gatherings during the third day of his ongoing ‘Shukrana Yatra’ in Punjab, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s social fabric was built on unity, sacrifice and brotherhood, and warned against what he described as attempts to spread hatred for political gain.
Beginning his address with an emotional appeal to the people of Punjab, Mann said certain opposition leaders had now been “fully exposed” after allegedly approaching the court against the recently enacted anti-sacrilege legislation aimed at protecting the sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib. He claimed that the court had dismissed their petition and even imposed a penalty, which he described as a moral defeat for “opportunistic politics.”
The Chief Minister said people needed to remain cautious of leaders who, according to him, were willing to exploit sensitive religious issues merely to revive their political relevance. He reiterated that his government remained firmly committed to preserving religious dignity and maintaining peace in Punjab.
Speaking during the yatra in Barnala, Mann said the overwhelming participation of people in the spiritual and public outreach programme reflected public trust in his government. He described the yatra as an expression of gratitude to the people and to the Almighty for giving his government the opportunity to bring a stringent anti-sacrilege law in honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
“The soil of Punjab is fertile enough for every crop to grow, but the seed of hatred can never take root here,” Mann remarked while praising Punjab’s tradition of communal harmony and coexistence.
Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Mann alleged that the party was attempting to polarise society along communal lines in several states and was now trying to replicate similar politics in Punjab. Referring to recent incidents of violence in West Bengal, he said such developments reflected the BJP’s style of functioning and warned that divisive politics would never succeed in Punjab.
“Do not try to divide Punjabis. These tactics may work elsewhere, but they cannot weaken the unity of Punjab,” he said, adding that Punjab’s people had historically stood together against every challenge.
Reacting to demands by BJP leaders seeking legal action against him over his recent remarks related to blasts in Punjab, Mann hit back strongly and questioned attempts to portray his statements as anti-national. Referring to senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar, Mann said experienced politicians understood the realities of Indian politics and should not encourage unnecessary confrontation.
The Chief Minister also questioned the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh over issues of nationalism and patriotism. He alleged that the RSS headquarters in Nagpur did not hoist the national flag for decades and asked whether such organisations now intended to issue “certificates of patriotism” to others.
Highlighting Punjab’s historical role in India’s freedom movement, Mann said Punjabis had made immense sacrifices for the nation and no political party should attempt to question the patriotism of the state’s people.
Apart from targeting the BJP, Mann also criticised the Shiromani Akali Dal leadership, including Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, while accusing previous governments of failing to safeguard Punjab’s interests. He also attacked the Congress party, alleging that traditional political parties had repeatedly failed the people of Punjab.
The four-day ‘Shukrana Yatra’, which has been projected by the Punjab Government as a spiritual and public thanksgiving journey rather than a political campaign, has now entered its third day. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on Saturday at Fatehgarh Sahib.
Political observers believe the yatra has emerged as a significant platform for the ruling AAP leadership to directly connect with people while highlighting the government’s recent legislative decisions and welfare measures ahead of future political contests in the state.