Bhagwant Mann claimed celebrities are being targeted for their mass appeal as political parties look to convert fandom into votes. Diljit Dosanjh, however, has firmly rejected any political ambitions.
Image Source: X
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday alleged that the BJP is “pressurising” popular singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh to join politics. Mann made the remarks while speaking to reporters in New Delhi, after his meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
The statement came on the heels of an alleged firing incident near the residence of Dosanjh’s manager in Haryana, which has since drawn sharp political reactions from across party lines.
Advertisement
#WATCH | Delhi | Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says, “In the last few days, it was heard that Diljit (Dosanjh) was being pressurised by the BJP to enter politics. Diljit has clearly said that he is an artist and enjoys his work. Then, there are other ways (of creating pressure) by… pic.twitter.com/mZ4ksHbAEc
Advertisement
— ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2026
Speaking directly on the pressure campaign, Mann said, “In the last few days, it was heard that Diljit was being pressurised by the BJP to enter politics.” He followed this by linking the pressure to the recent shooting incident.
Mann added, “Then there are other ways of creating pressure, like shooting at someone’s manager, and someone has even claimed responsibility for it. Nobody should do such kind of politics.”
Mann also laid out why politicians pursue celebrities; they are popular, and their fan base can translate into votes. He cited actor Vijay as an example, noting that his political appeal stems largely from his massive public following. He said: “Ever since Vijay’s victory in Tamil Nadu, they feel people have stopped listening to political leaders, so they want to bring forward famous personalities.”
Mann concluded his remarks with a clear position: “No one should force artists into politics. Their job is to entertain, not run for office.”
Dosanjh has not been ambiguous about his position on politics. A few days before Mann’s statement, Dosanjh had strongly dismissed the idea of becoming the political face of Punjab, replying “Kadey V Nhi (Never)” and making it clear that his work is “entertainment.”
Dosanjh had re-shared an article by a Punjabi newspaper headlined ‘Could Diljit Dosanjh become the new political face of Punjab?’ on his X handle, using the occasion to shut down speculation.
Diljit Dosanjh’s manager Gurpartap Singh Kang’s farmhouse in Karnal became the centre of controversy after reports of a firing incident surfaced online. The situation escalated further when social media posts allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the attack.
Following the viral claims, heavy police deployment was there outside the farmhouse located in Gondar village on the Gondar-Dachar Road in Karnal. Teams from Nissing Police Station, Special Task Force (STF), and CIA reportedly reached the spot to investigate.
The viral post claimed that individuals identified as Tyson Bishnoi, Arzoo Bishnoi, Harry Boxer were behind the alleged attack. The post also claimed that “Austria-made” weapons were used and described the incident as a “third warning” to Diljit Dosanjh and his management team, accusing his team of misconduct during an international tour.
However, authorities pushed back on the claims. Police officials denied finding any evidence of gunfire and described the reports as unverified rumours. Former village sarpanch Joga Singh also dismissed the reports, claiming there was no such incident and that the family inside the farmhouse was unaware of any firing until police arrived.
Some initial reports claimed that shell casings and bullet marks were found at the spot. But authorities have not officially confirmed any such recovery.
Advertisement
