Explosion Near BSF HQ in Jalandhar (Img: Internet)
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday stirred a political controversy by alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was behind the twin blasts reported in the state within a span of 24 hours.
He claimed the incidents reflect a pattern of attempts to create unrest ahead of the Assembly elections due next year.
Punjab witnessed two back-to-back explosions that triggered panic and heightened security across the state. The first blast occurred in Jalandhar near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters, where a scooter explosion caused alarm in the vicinity. Hours later, another blast was reported in Amritsar near the Khasa cantonment area, close to Army and BSF establishments.
While no major casualties have been reported so far, the proximity of both incidents to sensitive security zones has raised serious concerns among authorities. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause and possible links behind the explosions.
Addressing the media after visiting Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mann accused the BJP of orchestrating such incidents to influence the political climate. He alleged that similar patterns have been observed in other states ahead of elections, where unrest is created to polarise voters.
Calling Punjab a peace-loving state, the Chief Minister said people have already endured difficult times in the past and would not allow such incidents to disturb communal harmony. He added that strict action would be taken against those found guilty once investigations are complete.
Mann assured that security agencies are actively probing both incidents and that law enforcement has been strengthened across Punjab. He reiterated that maintaining peace and stability remains the government’s top priority.
He also referred to recent incidents of sacrilege and stressed that strict laws are in place to deal with such acts. According to him, any attempt to create division or unrest in the state would be dealt with firmly.
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Linking the blasts to upcoming elections, Mann claimed that political forces may attempt to exploit tensions for electoral gains. He urged all stakeholders to avoid actions that could disturb peace in the state.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission also came under indirect criticism, with Mann stating that institutions must remain impartial and address concerns raised by political parties.
As investigations continue, the twin blasts have not only raised security questions but also intensified the political discourse in Punjab ahead of a crucial election year.
