Delhi minister and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday urged the Punjab Police to invoke the state's anti-sacrilege law against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over a controversial viral video. Sirsa argued that the law, brought by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, should apply equally to everyone, including the chief minister.
Sirsa demands equal application of law
Speaking at a press conference, Sirsa said the controversy had become a “litmus test” for the Punjab government and police, accusing them of selective enforcement. “Law is equal for everyone. The same law that was brought in Punjab against beadbi (sacrilege) should apply to CM Bhagwant Mann as well,” Sirsa stated. He questioned why no case had been registered against Mann despite the ongoing controversy.
BJP cites Haryana police probe and arrests
The BJP's attack came hours after party IT department head Amit Malaviya raised questions about forensic reports allegedly used to defend Mann before Sikh religious authorities. Malaviya claimed that after being summoned by the Akal Takht, Mann had said the video was AI-generated and promised to submit forensic reports from two labs. However, Malaviya alleged that both reports were fabricated and the labs either did not exist or were misrepresented.
According to Malaviya, Gurugram police registered an FIR after examining digital evidence, WhatsApp chats, and video material, and conducted on-ground verification of the labs. Arrests were made in connection with the forgery, and the probe indicated involvement of Punjab Police personnel in preparing and circulating the disputed documents. Haryana Police have not publicly disclosed further details.
‘Questions cannot be ignored’
Sirsa praised Gurugram police for acting against the accused and said the investigation raised unavoidable questions. He accused AAP leaders of confronting Sikh religious institutions and noted that leaders who had previously taken strong stances on Sikh sentiments were now silent. “The Punjab Police now has to decide whether the law applies equally to everyone or only to ordinary citizens,” Sirsa said.
Political battle widens
The controversy has escalated into a larger political confrontation involving the AAP government, Sikh religious institutions, and law enforcement in two states. The BJP is framing the issue as one of accountability and alleged misuse of forged evidence, while targeting AAP over double standards on Sikh religious matters.
