Chandigarh/Mohali: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly denied allegations linked to a viral video circulating on social media, claiming that the person seen in the footage is not him and that a mask resembling his face was used to create a false narrative against him.
Addressing a press conference in Mohali on Wednesday, Mann described the controversy as a “politically motivated conspiracy” aimed at defaming him on religious grounds. He accused opposition parties of joining hands to damage his reputation because they are unable to challenge his government’s performance politically.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid growing controversy surrounding the video, which has triggered criticism from political opponents and sections of religious bodies.
‘Person in Video Is Not Me’: Mann
Rejecting the authenticity of the video, Mann asserted that several physical characteristics of the individual seen in the footage do not match his own.
“The height, physique, gait and mannerisms of the person in the viral video are entirely different from mine. The person shown in the video is not Bhagwant Mann,” he said.
The Chief Minister also displayed visual material during the press conference, claiming it showed the individual wearing a mask resembling his face.
According to Mann, the video was deliberately fabricated to create confusion among the public and damage his image.
Alleges Religious Defamation Campaign
Mann alleged that a systematic attempt is being made to target him through religious institutions and sentiments.
“For several days, a fake and fabricated video has been used against me. Religious directives and announcements are being made on its basis. This is an attempt to malign me on religious grounds because my opponents cannot defeat me politically,” he said.
He maintained that political adversaries have resorted to such tactics because they have lost support among the people.
“They have become politically irrelevant at the grassroots level and are now trying to exploit religious emotions to create hatred against me,” Mann said.
Questions SGPC and Boycott Posters
The Chief Minister also questioned the decision to display posters outside gurdwaras allegedly calling for his boycott.
Mann said he respects Sikh religious institutions but expressed concern over what he described as selective targeting.
“The institution commands immense respect across the world. Yet posters calling for a boycott of Bhagwant Mann were displayed. Why were similar boards not put up against Sukhbir Badal when he was undergoing religious penance?” he asked.
He further questioned why no public campaigns were launched against leaders accused in sacrilege-related controversies.
Targets BJP, Congress and Akali Dal
Escalating his attack, Mann accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal of working together to tarnish his image.
“All three political parties have united against me. They know they cannot compete politically, so they are trying to defame me through fake videos and propaganda,” he alleged.
According to Mann, the opposition’s strategy is to plant negative perceptions in people’s minds through manipulated content and misinformation.
“Their objective is to make people hate Bhagwant Mann by circulating false and doctored videos. They will not succeed,” he said.
Forensic Examination and Alleged Intimidation
The Chief Minister revealed that the Punjab government had subjected the controversial video to forensic examination.
However, he alleged that laboratories involved in examining the footage were now facing pressure and intimidation.
“The government got the video examined by forensic experts. Now those laboratory operators and employees are being threatened with FIRs and coercive action,” Mann claimed.
He alleged that political opponents were attempting to influence the investigation and discourage independent verification of the video’s authenticity.
Highlights Government’s Performance
Mann also used the occasion to defend his government’s record, arguing that public welfare initiatives have made his administration difficult to challenge politically.
He pointed to measures such as free electricity, improved healthcare facilities, Aam Aadmi Clinics, infrastructure development, employment initiatives and water supply projects as examples of the government’s achievements.
“The work done by this government in social, economic and religious sectors is unprecedented. We are focused on serving the people and will continue doing so,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s anti-sacrilege legislation, saying it demonstrates his government’s commitment to protecting religious sentiments.
Congress Criticised Over Akal Takht Remarks
Mann also launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of hypocrisy while speaking about the sanctity of Sikh institutions.
He referred to Operation Blue Star in 1984 and questioned Congress leaders for invoking the authority of the Akal Takht against him.
“Today Congress leaders talk about the honour of the Akal Takht, but it was the Congress government that carried out Operation Blue Star,” Mann said.
Political Significance Ahead of 2027 Elections
Political observers view the controversy as significant because Punjab is gradually moving towards the 2027 Assembly elections. Mann’s allegations indicate that the issue may evolve into a major political confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition parties in the state.
While the opposition continues to question the Chief Minister over the viral video, Mann has maintained that the footage is fabricated and part of a larger campaign to undermine his credibility among Punjab’s electorate and the Sikh community.
Concluding his remarks, Mann said he has complete faith in the people of Punjab and the Sikh Sangat, expressing confidence that truth would ultimately prevail.
