SAS Nagar-Lashing out at BJP for meting out step motherly treatment with the state, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the saffron party can win from any state in the country but it should never dream of winning from this land of great Gurus, saints, seers, prophets and martyrs.
Interacting with media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "The people of Punjab are well aware of the dubious character of the BJP and they will definitely teach it a lesson, as Punjabis can never forget how the food growers of the state were humiliated during the protest against the farm laws, and the hands of the BJP were drenched with the blood of more than 700 farmers who attained martyrdom during this agitation."
Highlighting the party’s record in Punjab, the Punjab CM said, "Though the BJP is buoyed over electoral gains in some states, as far as Punjab is concerned there is a long saga of injustice and step motherly treatment, as it wants to deprive Punjab of Panjab University, Chandigarh, Bhakra Dam and every legitimate right, and has stalled the legitimate share of grants of the state just to jeopardize Punjab’s development."
Dismissing BJP’s prospects in the state, he continued, "Rather than building castles in the air, the BJP leadership should forget that it will ever assume power in Punjab as its sins against the state and its people are unpardonable, and with what face will it come to Punjab when its leaders have never raised the issues of the state and its people, as the brave and wise people of Punjab will never forget these misdeeds and will teach them a befitting lesson."
Attacking traditional parties, he asserted, "Leaders of traditional parties had misled people for a long time but now people are not being influenced by their propaganda, as they have been ousted despite living in palatial houses during their time in power, marking a new era where those once considered invincible have been pushed into political oblivion."
On accountability and ‘beadbi’, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "People have taught a befitting lesson to such arrogant leaders who never cared for the common man and remained confined within their grand residences, and those who sought votes in the name of Gurbani committed grave disrespect as incidents of ‘beadbi' (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji took place during their tenure without action against the culprits."
"The government has passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026 unanimously, which provides harsher punishment and will end such incidents in future by ensuring no one dares to commit this heinous crime, as these acts were part of a deep conspiracy to disturb peace, brotherhood and communal harmony, ” he stated.
The Punjab Chief Minister added, "Anyone found guilty of this unpardonable offence will not be spared and strict action will be taken as a deterrent, as Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is revered as the father of every Sikh and it is the duty of the government to ensure its safety, with people across the world appreciating this historic step."
Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "The Badal family is opposing this Act, which is unfortunate as they are indulging in politics even on such an issue, while he will undertake a Shukrana Yatra from Sri Anandpur Sahib from May 6 to May 9 to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Damdama Sahib, Mastauana Sahib, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib to thank the Almighty."
He feels fortunate to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and the 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, and the government will celebrate this occasion in an unparalleled manner to spread Guru ji’s message of equality across the globe.
Highlighting ongoing celebrations, the Punjab Chief Minister said, "Year long events have begun to celebrate the 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji, who preached the welfare of humanity and equality, envisioning a society free from suffering, and the government has sought blessings and suggestions from Sant Samaj to organise these celebrations globally."
He concluded by stating, "It is a matter of immense pride that these celebrations are being held during his tenure and the government will ensure they are conducted with full religious fervour, while representatives of Sant Samaj have been urged to guide and contribute to shaping these programmes.”
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and others were also present.