Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann links Jalandhar, Amritsar blasts to poll politics, targets BJP; saffron party hits back
PTC Web Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday stirred a political storm by alleging that the recent explosions near security installations in the state were part of a larger electoral strategy. Without presenting evidence, he accused the BJP of attempting to create fear among voters ahead of elections.
His remarks came a day after two explosions occurred within hours of each other near sensitive locations in Jalandhar and Amritsar. One blast took place close to a Border Security Force (BSF) facility, while another involved an attempted grenade attack near an Army camp. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported in either incident.
Speaking during a religious procession in Sri Anandpur Sahib, CM Mann claimed that "such incidents tend to coincide with elections in states where the BJP is preparing to contest". He alleged that fear and instability were being used as tools to influence voters, warning the party to refrain from such tactics.
Hitting back, BJP leader Sunil Jakhar strongly criticised Mann’s remarks, describing them as reckless and driven by panic. He argued that such statements reflect poorly on Mann’s leadership and accused him of putting political narratives ahead of allowing law enforcement agencies to carry out their investigation independently.
Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu challenged the CM to register an FIR against the BJP if he wished to substantiate his allegations. Bittu expressed surprise that Mann made such serious claims so soon after the blasts, particularly when initial police inputs had indicated possible links to Pakistan’s ISI. He also highlighted that a BJP office had been among the recent targets, questioning the logic behind Mann’s accusation. Drawing a comparison with past elections, Bittu asked how many such grenade incidents occurred during the West Bengal polls, asserting that the BJP does not engage in such tactics to gain political advantage.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa called on the government to respond promptly and avoid any sense of complacency. He pointed out inconsistencies in the statements being made and stressed the need for clear communication. Bajwa warned that repeated blasts cannot be taken lightly and urged authorities to identify and punish those responsible.
Security agencies have, meanwhile, launched a multi-layered investigation. The National Investigation Agency has joined the Punjab Police in probing the blasts. DGP Gaurav Yadav visited the affected sites, beginning with Amritsar and later proceeding to Jalandhar to review the situation.
Preliminary findings in the Jalandhar case suggest the use of an improvised explosive device (IED). CCTV footage reportedly shows a suspect approaching a parked scooter near the BSF Chowk area, leaving behind a packet wrapped in plastic and fleeing moments before the explosion.
In Amritsar, the second incident took place roughly three hours later when two unidentified persons on a motorcycle allegedly hurled a grenade towards an Army camp in the Khasa area. The explosive hit the boundary wall and detonated, causing structural damage, including the collapse of a tin shed and minor impact to the perimeter wall.
Adding another dimension to the case, a group identifying itself as the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA) has claimed responsibility for the Jalandhar blast through a social media post. The group reportedly issued threats targeting a senior police official.
Punjab Police officials, including DIG-level officers, have stated that all angles, including terror links, local involvement, and cross-border connections, are being examined. Security has been tightened across key installations, particularly in border districts.
- PTC NEWS
