ANANDPUR SAHIB, MAY 6 — Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday accused the BJP of trying to “scare people for votes” following two explosions near military and paramilitary sites in Punjab. Addressing the media, Mann maintained that the blasts were part of a larger agenda to stir instability in states where the opposition party seeks to gain a foothold.
Mann stated that the timing of the explosions, which occurred late Tuesday in Jalandhar and Amritsar, aligns with the opposition’s focus on the Punjab assembly polls. He affirmed that the people of Punjab have already endured difficult periods in the past and would not be swayed by attempts to reintroduce a climate of fear.
“I appeal to the BJP to stop such tactics,” Mann asserted. “Punjab is a peaceful state. We are the people who always seek the welfare of all.” He noted that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and that law enforcement agencies are continuing their probe into the nature of the blasts.
The Chief Minister also declared that the passage of the anti-sacrilege law last month has disrupted opposition agendas aimed at creating communal divisions. He affirmed that the legislation ensures no one can exploit religious sentiments for political gain.
While the BJP has previously indicated its readiness for the Punjab elections, Mann questioned whether the current security incidents were being used as a tool for electoral preparation. He concluded by stating that his government remains focused on development and maintaining the state’s integrity despite what he described as external attempts to provoke violence.
