Punjab CM Mann Visits Patna Sahib; Soon After Raises Allegations Against BJP

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday visited Patna along with his family and paid obeisance at Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines. The visit was marked by religious observance and political messaging, as Mann offered prayers seeking success for a special law enacted by his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government aimed at strengthening the security of religious sites in Punjab. He reiterated that protecting religious and cultural heritage remains a core priority of his administration. The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of safeguarding places of worship as part of Punjab’s broader governance agenda.

During his visit, Mann said he prayed for the success and effective implementation of the state legislation designed to enhance security arrangements at religious institutions. He emphasized that the law reflects his government’s commitment to ensuring that incidents affecting sacred sites are prevented and that devotees feel safe. According to him, maintaining the sanctity and security of religious places is essential for preserving social harmony. The Chief Minister added that his administration is focused on strengthening institutional mechanisms to protect cultural and religious identities. He also linked the initiative to wider efforts to reinforce trust between the government and citizens.

Soon after arriving in Patna, Mann launched a strong political attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of attempting to poach Members of Parliament belonging to the Aam Aadmi Party. He alleged that such actions amount to undermining democratic principles and weaken the mandate given by voters. Mann described the alleged attempts as “unethical political practices” and said political parties should focus on development rather than encouraging defections. He also claimed that he has formally raised the issue with the President of India, calling it a serious threat to democratic stability.

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Mann further referred to recent political developments, including reports that eight AAP Rajya Sabha MPs had joined the BJP in New Delhi. While the defections have added to political tensions between the parties, Mann said such moves reflect a disturbing trend in Indian politics. He urged for stronger safeguards to prevent what he described as the “buying and breaking” of elected representatives. The Chief Minister also stated that he would continue to raise the issue at appropriate constitutional forums to ensure accountability and protect democratic institutions.

In addition to political remarks, Mann addressed electoral concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in states such as Bihar and West Bengal. He asserted that his government would not allow deletion of genuine voters’ names from electoral lists in Punjab under any circumstances. Mann said protecting voter rights is essential for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. During his visit, he is also expected to hold engagements related to Punjab–Bihar relations and broader political discussions, reflecting both administrative outreach and political positioning during his trip.

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