‘Unable to fight politically, Opposition trying to defame me on religious grounds’: Bhagwant Mann on viral video row

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday accused the Opposition parties of trying to “defame” him on religious grounds, using the purported viral video, which shows him indulging in “objectionable activities” in the presence of the pictures of the Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Mann, who had been accused of being a “Guru-dokhi” (anti-Guru), has reiterated that the person seen in the viral video is not him.

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“They cannot fight with me politically, so they are trying to defame me on religious grounds…,” the Punjab Chief Minister said.

During a January hearing before the Akal Takht, Mann had claimed that the video was AI-generated and proposed a forensic examination.

However, the Akal Takht declared CM Mann ‘Guru-dokhi’ and ‘Khalsa Panth-virodhi’ earlier this month.

“I cannot challenge the Sri Akal Takht…The person seen in the video is not me…All three political parties have united to defame me…,” Mann added.

His latest remarks came days after Gurugram Police registered an FIR in connection with claims that a forensic report concerning the footage was fabricated under pressure.

The Opposition Congress in Punjab had demanded Mann’s resignation, alleging that efforts were being made to secure a favourable forensic report concerning the viral video.

Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has slammed Mann over the viral video and the subsequent allegations regarding a disputed forensic report.

Demanding immediate action, Jakhar called for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to step down from office and sought the suspension of officials allegedly associated with the preparation of the disputed report.

He also urged that the matter be investigated under the supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court within a fixed timeframe to ensure transparency and public confidence.