Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday strongly defended the state's anti-sacrilege legislation, the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, a day after the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht directed the government to remove objectionable provisions and amend the law within a month. Addressing a large gathering during his Lok Milni programme at Mehal Kalan village in Barnala district, Mann asserted that those guilty of sacrilege deserved the harshest punishment, without directly referencing the Akal Takht's directive.
CM targets political opponents
Mann targeted the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and other opposition parties, accusing them of hypocrisy on religious issues. He said, “People kept voting for the ‘takkdi’ (scales – the SAD’s election symbol), believing it represented Baba Nanak, yet the same Baba Nanak’s ‘baani’ was desecrated in the streets. Now we have made a law, and they say they do not like it. Tell me what is wrong with it? Have I inserted any of my own man into the law? Have I shielded anyone? I have simply said that whoever commits sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib should remain in jail until their last breath. The law provides for life imprisonment, a fine of Rs 50 lakh, and even bars meeting with family members. Such a person will rot in jail alone banging his head against the walls. Tell me what mistake have I made?”
Allegations of fabricated videos
Mann also accused his political rivals of trying to defame him on religious grounds by circulating fabricated videos on social media. He claimed that fake and doctored videos were being used to mislead the public but maintained that he was not worried by such campaigns as long as he enjoyed public support.
Announcement of Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana
During his address, the Chief Minister announced the launch of the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana from his Dhuri Assembly constituency in Sangrur district on Wednesday. In a lighter vein, he told women in the audience that the scheme could well have been named the Mawan Dhiyan Suit Yojana, as they would no longer need to ask men in their families for money for this purpose.
Protests and detentions
Meanwhile, police and civil administration remained on alert as farmers' organisations and activists staged protests against the Chief Minister and the state government. Several protesters were detained on Monday, and more were taken into preventive custody on Tuesday. Protesters also blocked roads at some places ahead of the programme. Later, Mann handed over a cheque of Rs 51 lakh to the village panchayat for development works.
