Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday, accusing it of engaging in "cheap and hate-driven politics" by circulating a manipulated video of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi minister Atishi. The allegations were made during a media interaction in Bathinda on January 11, 2026.
Forensic Proof Exposes Edited Video
Mann, who was inaugurating a district library worth Rs 9 crores, asserted that the BJP had doctored a video of Atishi's statement in the Delhi Assembly by adding false subtitles. He clarified that none of the contentious statements attributed to her were part of the official Assembly proceedings.
"She never said Guru," Mann stated emphatically. "A forensic examination has established this fact. The BJP has committed sacrilege by inserting the word 'Guru' in the subtitles. They are experts in this and have done similar things in other states."
He explained that the video clip in question was extracted and shared on social media by Delhi BJP leader Kapil Mishra, leading to a police complaint and subsequent FIR in Jalandhar. Mann vowed that his government would not allow such tactics to disturb Punjab's communal harmony, reiterating the principle of 'Sarbat da Bhala' (welfare for all).
Mann Slams BJP's 'Anti-Punjab' Stance and Upcoming Akal Takht Visit
Expanding his criticism, the Chief Minister claimed the BJP harbored hatred for Punjab and Punjabis, predicting a rise in divisive politics as the 2027 state polls approach. He took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vishwa Guru' ambition, stating it cannot be achieved merely on paper.
Mann also listed several decisions by the BJP-led central government that he deemed anti-Punjab, including issues related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Panjab University, and the proposed constitutional amendment on Chandigarh. He accused the BJP of using leaders like Sunil Jakhar and Captain Amarinder Singh to spread falsehoods.
In a significant development, Mann confirmed his scheduled appearance before the Akal Takht on January 15. "I will go as a humble Sikh. Akal Takht is supreme to me," he said, adding that he would provide clarification regarding his past statements on 'Golaks'.
Addressing the Missing Saroops Case and SAD Allegations
Responding to allegations from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) that his administration was trying to falsely implicate party president Sukhbir Singh Badal in the missing saroops case, Mann provided details of the investigation.
He revealed that an inquiry by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had named 16 individuals, who were subsequently booked by the police. "We are taking action in the case of missing 328 saroops of Guru Sahib," Mann stated. He dismissed the SGPC's characterization of the issue as a monetary 'give and take', stressing that the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) primary goal is to locate the missing religious scriptures.
Mann also questioned the SGPC's sudden objection to the FIR, noting that the body had filed numerous police cases in the past. He pointed out that the current SGPC was elected 14 years ago and that the central government is responsible for conducting its polls, not the state.
The Chief Minister concluded by suggesting that pre-emptive statements from SAD leaders, including Harsimrat Kaur Badal, about possible arrests indicated a "guilty conscience."
