Bathinda, Jan 11 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, issued a strong response to the BJP regarding the alleged manipulation of former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi's Assembly video, branding it as a calculated scheme aimed at inciting communal discord in Punjab.

He emphasized that the secular administration would not permit such agendas to flourish, stating that the video had been altered with misleading subtitles, which he termed an act of beadbi (sacrilege). He highlighted that forensic analysis has irrefutably confirmed that Atishi never uttered the term 'Guru'.

In defense of the Punjab Police actions against BJP leader Kapil Mishra, CM Mann asserted that the doctored footage is not present in the official Assembly records and noted that the BJP is advancing an anti-Punjab narrative concerning matters like Chandigarh, the BBMB, and Panjab University, while opposition figures are desperately attempting to defend falsehoods in the absence of any legitimate grievances against the state government.

Mann stated to the press, 'Since its formation, the BJP has engaged in the politics of sectarianism, division, and animosity. With elections on the horizon, the party has commenced implementing this agenda in Punjab to fracture communities along religious lines. The BJP has altered the video of the former Delhi Chief Minister by inserting its subtitles. The forensic investigation has clearly shown that the word 'Guru' was never mentioned by the AAP leader.'

The Chief Minister condemned the distortion of facts for political advantage as a long-standing tactic of the BJP, noting that this action has profoundly offended the sentiments of the Sikh sangat. 'By altering the video, they have committed sacrilege. This is unacceptable, and they will be held accountable for their actions,' he remarked, adding that the manipulation of the video is clear as the statements attributed to the former Delhi Chief Minister were absent from the official records of the Assembly.

Regarding BJP leader Kapil Mishra, CM Mann stated, 'The individual responsible for disseminating the manipulated video on social media will face repercussions for his actions. The Punjab Police have rightly initiated a case against him. There is no question of any privilege from the Delhi Assembly here. He has been charged with offending the sentiments of the public and will face consequences in accordance with the law.'

The Chief Minister indicated that the BJP’s attitude towards Punjab is antagonistic. 'Former CM Capt Amarinder Singh, state BJP President Sunil Jakhar, and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu find themselves in a challenging position today, forced to justify the BJP’s animosity towards Punjab with a series of lies,' he added.

He remarked that the BJP and its leadership show scant respect for the revered Sikh Gurus, stating, 'The Prime Minister has never taken the time to accept invitations to events commemorating the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom anniversary) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. Neither the Prime Minister nor any high-ranking Central leaders visited Punjab to pay their respects during these significant times. This underscores a narrow and shortsighted perspective towards Sikhs and our esteemed Gurus.'