politics

BJP Chief Nabin Accuses Punjab CM Mann of Guru Disrespect in Video Row

Published on: 21 Jun 2026, 08:01 PM

BJP national president Nitin Nabin, during a party workers' meeting in Ludhiana on Sunday, accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of disrespecting Sikh Gurus, citing an alleged sacrilege video. The video, which purportedly shows Mann sprinkling liquor on images of Sikh Gurus, has sparked a major controversy ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, declared the video 'authentic' based on forensic reports and labelled Mann as 'Guru dokhi' (anti-Guru) and 'panth virodhi' (anti-panth). Mann has denied the allegations, claiming the person in the video is not him but an actor used to defame him.

Speaking at the event, Nabin said, 'It feels disheartening to see that a man who represents and leads Punjab disrespects Gurus in this manner. But the people of Punjab will not tolerate this. It is now time to punish him for the act.' He added that politics is secondary for Punjabis, who hold their Gurus above all else.

Nabin also accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of misappropriating Rs 1.87 lakh crore provided by the Centre for the state's development over the past 10-12 years. He claimed the funds were meant for public welfare but were subject to 'bandarbaant' (misappropriation), and demanded accountability.

The BJP chief's visit comes as the party prepares to contest all 117 Assembly seats in Punjab after parting ways with its former ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Recently, the BJP appointed former Congress leader Kewal Singh Dhillon as its Punjab state president.

Invoking his Bihar roots, Nabin described Punjab as a cultural shield and praised its martyrs. He criticised the AAP government over law and order, comparing the situation to 'jungle raj' in Bihar, and said the BJP aims to restore progress and development in the state.

Nabin asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a special place in the hearts of Punjabis, which would be proven in the upcoming elections.

Source: Indian Express

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