Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a sharp political attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday, alleging that the party is “anti-Punjab” and claiming that people of the state will “teach a lesson” to those he described as “traitors.” His remarks came amid a political row triggered by the resignation of several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and their reported move towards the BJP.

Addressing the media, Mann said that the BJP has consistently tried to weaken rival parties and create internal divisions. He alleged that when the BJP could not find issues against him personally, it attempted to destabilise the AAP instead. The Chief Minister also said that those who recently left the AAP to join the BJP do not truly represent Punjab’s interests or mandate.

Mann further asserted that Punjabis have a strong emotional connection with people but do not forget betrayal. He criticised the defecting leaders, stating that they had entered politics without facing the “hardship of seeking votes” or engaging with ground-level issues. According to him, such leaders shifted allegiance primarily for personal political survival rather than public service.

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The Chief Minister also claimed that the BJP has no strong base in Punjab and has historically used political manoeuvring to expand its influence in other parties. He alleged that the party has shown hostility towards Punjab and the AAP, especially after the introduction of stricter laws related to sacrilege incidents in the state, which he said had caused discomfort in certain political circles.

Meanwhile, AAP leaders in Punjab levelled separate allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming a coordinated attempt to weaken the party through defections and pressure tactics involving central investigative agencies. These claims included allegations of political coercion ahead of elections. The BJP, however, has not officially responded to the specific accusations mentioned in the statements.

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