Chandigarh, May 6

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday accused the BJP of attempting to create fear and unrest in Punjab ahead of elections, linking recent bomb blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar to what he described as a wider political strategy aimed at destabilising the state.

Speaking to reporters during the government’s Shukrana Yatra, Mann alleged that the BJP was trying to replicate in Punjab what he called a pattern of communal tension and political polarisation seen in West Bengal during elections.

“The BJP is trying to create unrest in Punjab on the pattern of Bengal ahead of elections, but the people of Punjab are politically aware and united against such conspiracies,” the chief minister said.

Mann claimed that violence and divisive politics had become part of the BJP’s electoral approach and alleged that attempts were being made to spread panic in Punjab after the passage of the anti-beadbi law.

Without presenting evidence linking the blasts to any political party, Mann said Punjabis would not allow “seeds of hatred” to take root in the state.

“Anything can germinate on the fertile land of Punjab, but seeds of hatred can never grow here,” he said.

The chief minister also said his government remained committed to maintaining communal harmony and peace in the border state, which has witnessed heightened political rhetoric in recent months.

Mann said Punjab had historically stood for brotherhood and coexistence, adding that any attempt to disturb social harmony would be resisted by both the government and the public.