BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Thursday issued a legal defamation notice to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his comments linking the BJP to the twin blasts in Jalandhar and Amritsar. Chugh asked the Punjab Chief Minister to either provide evidence supporting his allegations or step down from his post.
Two blasts that occurred within hours of each other near defence establishments in Punjab on Tuesday night created panic and triggered sharp political reactions. Opposition parties criticised the Bhagwant Mann government, raising concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
On Wednesday, Mann has been blaming the BJP for the two blast incidents, alleging that this was the party’s political strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab.
The first blast took place around 8 pm outside the headquarters of the Border Security Force’s Punjab Frontier in Jalandhar. The second blast occurred around 11 pm near an Army camp in the Khasa area of Amritsar.
Reacting strongly to the Chief Minister’s statement, Chugh said Mann had “undermined” the dignity of his office by accusing the BJP of involvement in explosions without presenting a single proof. He said legal proceedings had been initiated against Mann for criminal defamation, spreading misinformation, and allegedly attempting to incite public unrest.
Chugh further claimed that Mann’s remarks contradicted the stand taken by his own Director General of Police (DGP). He said Punjab Police investigations were pointing towards the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI and foreign networks, while Mann was making political allegations.
He questioned whether the Punjab Chief Minister was focused on protecting Punjab’s security or pursuing political interests, adding that such statements raised serious concerns.
Referring to the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Chugh said linking a national political party like the BJP to explosions in the state was not only politically incorrect but also disrespectful to the sentiments of citizens and the armed forces.
“Mann's statement is not only defamatory but also extremely dangerous. Such irresponsible allegations can create confusion, mistrust, and social unrest in Punjab. No chief minister has the right to compromise public order and national security for political gain,” he said.
Chugh said that if Mann failed to withdraw his statement and issue a public apology within seven days, both criminal and civil legal action would be initiated. He said people were now asking for proof behind the allegations.
In the legal notice, Chugh said “Immediately withdraw all defamatory, false, and malicious statements made by you, issue an unconditional public apology through prominent print, electronic, and social media platforms within seven days from receipt of this notice and refrain from making any further defamatory, baseless, or inflammatory statements against BJP, its leadership, workers, or supporters, read the notice.”
Speaking to mediapersons in Anandpur Sahib on Wednesday, Mann had alleged that the BJP was attempting to create fear in Punjab ahead of the assembly elections.
He claimed that after the West Bengal elections, the BJP had shifted its political focus to Punjab and suggested that the recent blasts were part of preparations linked to the upcoming polls.
Also read: Centre extends five state laws to Chandigarh
Follow us
