In a significant development, Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sunil Jakhar has formally written to the state's Director General of Police (DGP), demanding an immediate forensic investigation into an online video. The video, which has sparked controversy, purportedly shows an individual resembling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and is alleged to be linked to a case of religious sacrilege.
Urgent Call for Investigation and Political Pressure
Speaking to the media in Chandigarh on Sunday, Jakhar drew a parallel with a recent case involving former Delhi minister Atishi. He pointed out that if the Punjab Police could investigate a video related to Atishi within a single day, the same urgency should be applied to determine the authenticity of this video, given its sensitive religious connotations. Jakhar emphasized that Punjab is a sensitive state, and such content has the potential to trigger massive unrest, making it essential to establish the truth swiftly.
The BJP leader's media interaction followed his attendance at a rally in Samrala, Ludhiana. The event was part of the BJP's awareness campaign for the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme and was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
Deadline Before Akal Takht and Planned Protests
Jakhar issued a direct appeal to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him to obtain an impartial forensic investigation report on the contentious video before his scheduled appearance before the Akal Takht on January 15. This adds a layer of immediate political and religious pressure on the incumbent government.
Further escalating the matter, the BJP leader announced plans for a major protest. On January 16, the party intends to gherao (surround) the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh. The protest aims to question Mann on multiple fronts: the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, the rising incidents of gang violence, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the video.
Legal Notices and Moral Ultimatum
In a related legal move, the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly has issued notices to the Punjab DGP, a special DGP, and the Jalandhar police commissioner. These notices concern the First Information Report (FIR) registered in connection with the video pertaining to former Delhi minister Atishi, highlighting the inter-state ramifications of such digital content.
Jakhar concluded with a stark moral ultimatum for the Chief Minister. He stated that if the forensic investigation proves the video to be false, the government must issue a factual clarification to the public. Conversely, if the video is found to be genuine, Bhagwant Mann would have "no moral right to continue as the chief minister." This statement sets the stage for a high-stakes political confrontation in the coming days.
