Even as security agencies probe a possible link between two low-intensity blasts in Punjab and a cross-border conspiracy backed by Pakistan’s ISI, a political storm erupted in the state on Wednesday, with the ruling AAP and opposition BJP trading sharp accusations.
The blasts occurred on Tuesday near the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar and outside an Army camp in Amritsar’s Khasa area.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday alleged that the BJP was behind the two blasts reported in the state within 24 hours, even as state police chief Gaurav Yadav indicated the explosions in Jalandhar and Amritsar could be the handiwork of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
“This is the BJP’s way of working. In any state where they contest elections, they first create riots, carry out small blasts, and divide people on religious and caste lines. This is their election preparation for Punjab,” Mann alleged while speaking to the media.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar hit back, calling Mann’s remarks “irresponsible and panic-driven.” Jakhar said the CM’s statement showed he was “unfit for the post” and was “prioritising politics over allowing law enforcement agencies to carry out their investigation.”
Union Minister Ravneet Bittu termed the CM’s statement “absurd” and “disgraceful,” and challenged Mann to register an FIR against the BJP to substantiate his claims. Such allegations were being made even as police pointed to possible involvement of Pakistan’s ISI, he said. Party General Secretary Tarun Chugh also criticised Mann’s remarks, calling them a “cheap political tactic” that could inflame tensions.
Security agencies are examining whether the blasts are part of a broader cross-border conspiracy, possibly linked to developments following ‘Operation Sindoor’. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the timing of the incidents—coinciding with the anniversary of the operation—has raised suspicions of external involvement. He also confirmed that special teams are investigating the alleged Pakistani link, as well as claims by the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA) taking responsibility for the IED detonations.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened across Punjab. The main gate of the Punjab Police Headquarters in Chandigarh has been reinforced with bulletproof shielding, and additional personnel have been deployed to monitor movement.
Sources said preliminary findings suggest the explosions in Amritsar and Jalandhar may not be isolated incidents, but part of a coordinated attempt to disrupt peace in the border state. Investigators are also probing whether the blasts fit a pattern of renewed activity by ISI-linked networks operating through local modules.
In recent weeks, Punjab Police have dismantled at least one such suspected module, arresting multiple individuals and recovering arms and explosives, pointing to an organised infrastructure targeting public assets. Officials believe these networks may be using local operatives with links to pro-Khalistani elements while maintaining logistical and financial connections across the border. The possibility of efforts to revive dormant networks or test security responses has not been ruled out, sources said.