Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (File photo).
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Wednesday alleged that the BJP was behind the twin blasts reported in the state within 24 hours, claiming the incidents were part of a pattern of creating unrest ahead of the state elections next year.
“This is the BJP’s style of functioning. Whenever they have to contest an election in a state, they either engineer riots, blasts, or create tension between people of two faiths. These blasts mean that the BJP is getting ready for Punjab,” Mann told the media after paying obeisance at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
In the past 24 hours, Punjab has been jolted by two blasts, triggering concern across the state. The first explosion took place in Jalandhar, near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters, where a scooter blast caused panic in the area. The second incident occurred a few hours later in Amritsar, near the Khasa cantonment area, close to Army and BSF establishments.
CM Mann said Punjab is a peace-loving state. “People have already seen enough trouble-torn days in the state. The investigation is on and the guilty will be punished,” he said.
Calling the BJP a “communal party”, he said, “Now that the Bengal elections are over, they are turning to Punjab. They have themselves said that their next target is Punjab. That is how they garner votes by scaring people away. They should mend their ways. Punjab believes in world peace and in Sarbat Da Bhala. These vile acts will not work. Punjabis have always stood like a rock with the country.”
Continuing his attack on the BJP, he said, “It is in front of everyone. Whenever they go for elections in a state, they polarise by making people from different faiths fight. They are upset with the anti-sacrilege law. They had to create a wedge between people through sacrilege. Now nobody would be ready to desecrate as the law is very stringent. But they have to mend their ways.”
Election Commission should be answerable, says Mann
In response to a question, he said the sacrilege at Gutka Sahib near Mohali on Wednesday will be dealt with under the new sacrilege law. On another question about Mamata Banerjee saying she will not resign, he said, “They (the TMC) are feeling their mandate has been robbed. Their agents were beaten, and their workers were shooed away. The Election Commission is also being accused. The EC should not be on the other side. It should also look into this. The EC is an institution for everyone. It should answer the questions raised.”
Mann undertook his Shukrana Yatra on Wednesday after paying obeisance at Sri Anandpur Sahib amid the backdrop of the two blasts. The back-to-back nature of the incidents, both near sensitive security installations, has raised serious questions about safety and preparedness. While no major casualties have been reported, investigations are underway, and security has been tightened across the state as agencies work to determine the cause and possible links behind the incidents.
