Chandigarh, June 15: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State Media In-Charge Baltej Pannu on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Badal family, alleging that after losing public trust and suffering repeated electoral setbacks, they have dragged revered Sikh institutions into political controversies in a desperate attempt to regain relevance.
Addressing a press conference, Pannu claimed that the so-called forensic report being used to target Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has failed to establish even the identity of the individual seen in the controversial video. He described the episode as another unsuccessful attempt by Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia to defame the Chief Minister.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib Belongs to the Entire Panth, Not Any Political Party
Baltej Pannu stated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the highest and most revered institution of Sikhs worldwide and should never be treated as the personal property of any political party or family.
“Sri Akal Takht Sahib belongs to the entire Sikh Panth across the world, not to Sukhbir Singh Badal or the Shiromani Akali Dal. Such respected institutions should not be used for political purposes,” he said.
Pannu alleged that the Akali Dal and the Badal family have attempted to politicise Sikh institutions in order to revive their declining political relevance.
Forensic Report Fails to Establish Identity of Person in Video
Questioning the forensic report, Baltej Pannu said that it does not conclusively identify the person appearing in the video.
“The report may claim that the video was not generated using AI, but it does not establish who the person actually is. What is the height of the individual seen in the footage? Does it match the height of CM Bhagwant Mann? Which hotel room is being referred to? The report raises more questions than it answers,” he said.
Pannu added that the AAP would present the complete facts before the people of Punjab in the coming days.
Punjab Still Awaits Justice in Beadbi, Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan Cases
Recalling events during the Akali Dal government, Pannu said Punjab continues to remember the incidents of sacrilege and subsequent controversies that occurred during that period.
He referred to the 2015 sacrilege incidents, including the theft of a sacred copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji from Burj Jawahar Singh Wala and the later recovery of torn holy pages.
“The people of Punjab have not forgotten the beadbi incidents, the Kotkapura firing, or the Behbal Kalan tragedy. These remain painful chapters in the state’s history,” he said.
Pannu further alleged that important reports and investigations related to those incidents were not pursued effectively during the previous regime.
Bhagwant Mann Government Enacted Punjab’s Toughest Law Against Beadbi
Baltej Pannu said the Badal family is unable to accept that the Bhagwant Mann Government has introduced what he described as Punjab’s strictest legal framework against sacrilege.
“CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has introduced historic amendments and implemented a strong law to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Those found guilty of beadbi now face strict legal consequences,” he said.
According to Pannu, the legislation reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the dignity of religious scriptures and ensuring accountability.
Government Winning Public Confidence Through Development
Highlighting the achievements of the AAP government, Pannu said the administration has continued to receive strong public support due to its governance initiatives.
He noted that:
- Canal water coverage has increased from 21% to nearly 80%.
- Farmers are receiving daytime electricity supply.
- Families are benefiting from 600 units of free electricity.
- The Sadak Surakhiya Force has strengthened road safety.
- Citizens are receiving health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh through government welfare initiatives.
He also pointed to the party’s victories in various by-elections, municipal elections and local body polls as evidence of public confidence in the government.
People of Punjab Will Not Allow Political Misuse of Religious Institutions
Concluding his remarks, Baltej Pannu said that the Badal family’s latest political strategy has failed and that Punjabis will not allow respected religious institutions to be used for partisan politics.
“The people of Punjab are politically aware and will never permit revered institutions to be dragged into political battles. The future of Punjab lies in development, transparency and public welfare, not in divisive politics,” he said.
Pannu reiterated that the AAP Government remains committed to governance, public welfare and safeguarding Punjab’s social and religious harmony.
