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Punjab blasts trigger war of words: Mann blames BJP, saffron party hits back
Within a span of 10 days, three separate explosions have targeted key infrastructure and military zones in the state.
The back-to-back blasts in Jalandhar and Amritsar on Tuesday night triggered a fierce political confrontation in Punjab, with chief minister Bhagwant Mann alleging the incidents are part of the BJP’s “election preparedness” in the state that goes to the polls early next year and the saffron party strongly hitting back, blaming the state government for intelligence and security failure.
Within a span of 10 days, three separate explosions have targeted key infrastructure and military zones in the state, prompting demands from the Opposition for Mann’s resignation.
Addressing the media after launching his four-day Shukrana Yatra at Anandpur Sahib, Mann claimed the BJP uses fear and communal polarisation as political tools, stating that such incidents occur wherever the party wants to fight elections.
“This is the style of the BJP. Get riots done, get blasts done, and bring instability; this is their style of contesting polls,” the CM said, adding that the twin explosions intended to create panic and disturb Punjab’s peaceful atmosphere. Mann alleged that BJP leaders had indicated that “after Bengal, it is Punjab’s turn,” asserting that attempts were being made to create instability.
However, he maintained that the Punjab government would not allow any force to disrupt the state’s harmony, downplaying the incidents as “minor blasts” intended to spread fear. He said those responsible would soon be exposed and brought to justice.
Also Read | Punjab on alert after twin blasts outside security installations in Jalandhar, Amritsar
Punjab's Finance Minister's remarks
Echoing Mann’s sentiments, Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that the BJP was attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and division in Punjab for political gains ahead of elections. “Instead of focusing on the economy or the condition of the poor, the BJP tries to polarise voters on the basis of caste and religion,” he said at a press conference in Chandigarh.
The BJP launched a sharp counter-offensive, with Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu daring Mann to register case against the BJP for his statement that the party is behind the twin blasts. “Let your DGP register case against us,” said Bittu while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Chandigarh. Mann should tender an apology for his baseless accusations or be ready to face legal consequences, added Bittu.
Also Read | 2 blasts within hours, one outside BSF HQ, another near Army cantonment: What happened in Punjab last night?
‘Serious concern’: Punjab BJP chief
State BJP chief Sunil Jakhar called the blasts a matter of serious concern but described the CM’s statement as “even more worrying.” “While the DGP is pointing towards the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI, Mann is making irresponsible statements. His remarks reflect panic and fear,” Jakhar said.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh alleged that the Mann government is “hand-in-glove with anti-national forces,” stating that while the CM is busy with “political theatrics and stunts,” the entire state is in a panic.
Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh accused Mann of making “irresponsible statements, driven by political motives.” “The bomb blasts in Jalandhar and Amritsar are a matter of serious concern not just for Punjab but for the entire country. I want to tell Mann very clearly that the AAP government is entirely responsible for every incident happening in Punjab; you cannot escape from this,” Saini said.
State Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described back-to-back blasts as “deeply alarming.” “These blasts have shaken Punjab. Who is trying to destabilise our state? Why has the Punjab government failed to prevent such incidents? What is the Government of India doing?,” he asked.
Citing a “total collapse of intelligence”, Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded Mann’s resignation.
Raghav Chadha, Rajya Sabha MP who recently switched to the BJP from the AAP, launched a sharp attack on Mann, saying that by attributing the blasts to domestic political conspiracies rather than external threats, the CM is “directly promoting the ISI’s narrative” regarding the state’s security.
“The chief minister of Punjab is stating that the BJP is behind this incidentnot Pakistan’s ISI. So, I want to ask directly: Why Mann wants to give a clean chit to the ISI? Has his enmity with the BJP become so intense that they have to go and sit in the lap of the ISI?,” said Chadha.
(With inputs from HTC Chandigarh and agencies)
