Chandigarh, June 17: A digital smear campaign involving a fabricated video has been entirely dismissed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who clarified that the individual shown in the footage is completely distinct from him in both physical stature and appearance. The Chief Minister attributed the coordinated character assassination attempt to opposition leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, asserting that political adversaries are using external influence over institutional functionaries to damage his reputation. The dispute emerged shortly after the current administration successfully passed rigorous laws penalizing sacrilege across the state.
The administration noted a distinct irony in the opposition’s current behavior, pointing out that the very factions who previously demanded strict anti-sacrilege laws are now challenging the legislation simply because it was successfully delivered. Vested interests are reportedly finding it difficult to digest structural decisions made to preserve the state’s natural resources, youth development, and agricultural stability.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that the ongoing propaganda reflects deep-seated political frustration rather than factual truth. “I have always considered Sri Akal Takht Sahib as the supreme temporal authority and bow before it with utmost humility and devotion,” the Chief Minister declared. “The very thought of challenging its authority is beyond imagination and I have never deviated from this belief. Neither I nor generations of my family can ever imagine challenging Sri Akal Takht Sahib.”
The Chief Minister countered the institutional pressure by highlighting the contradictions in how past offenses were handled by the same bodies. He recalled historical instances where political figures were granted exemptions without formal requests, or where individuals who oversaw controversial police actions received political patronage without facing any institutional accountability.
The Chief Minister asserted his unwavering dedication to serving the public interest regardless of coordinated media attacks. “A deliberate campaign is being carried out to malign my image because some people cannot tolerate the decisions being taken by my government for safeguarding Punjab’s Paani, Jawani, Kisani and Bani,” the Chief Minister affirmed. “Religion is being misused to target me politically. Such attempts are completely unfortunate and unacceptable.”
The administration concluded by asking the public to remain vigilant against deceptive media strategies designed to fragment the community. The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to day-and-night governance, assuring citizens that public welfare and the legal protection of religious sentiments will remain the core focus of his tenure.
