Tarun Chugh serves defamation notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for blaming BJP for twin blasts in Punjab
Two consecutive blasts near security establishments on Tuesday night shook Punjab, triggering panic and drawing condemnation from opposition parties targeting the Bhagwant Mann government over the law and order problem in the state.
Mann on Wednesday blamed the BJP for the two blast incidents and claimed that this was how the party was preparing for the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
While the first blast occurred around 8 pm outside the Border Security Force’s Punjab Border Headquarters in Jalandhar, the second blast occurred around 11 pm near the Army camp in Amritsar’s Khasa.
Criticizing the CM for his remarks, BJP leader Chugh on Thursday said Mann had completely “undermined” the reputation of the Chief Minister’s office by accusing the BJP of being involved in bomb blasts without providing even a shred of evidence.
“That’s exactly why legal action has been taken against him for criminal defamation, spreading false information and attempting to cause public unrest,” Chugh told reporters. he said.
“CM Mann’s statement directly contradicts his own DGP’s stand. While the Punjab Police has pointed out the involvement of Pakistan’s ISI and foreign networks, the prime minister remains busy pursuing a political agenda.”The question is simple: is the prime minister protecting the security of Punjab or providing political cover to anti-national forces?” he asked.
Chugh said on a day when the entire nation is celebrating the courage and valor of our armed forces on the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, Mann’s attempt to link a democratic and nationalist party like the BJP with the blasts is not only a political lie but also an insult to the duty and faith of millions of Indians.
“Mann’s statement is not only defamatory but also extremely dangerous. Such irresponsible allegations can create confusion, insecurity and social unrest in Punjab. No prime minister has the right to compromise public order and national security for political gain,” he said.
The BJP leader said that if Mann does not retract his statement and make a public apology within seven days, both criminal and civil cases will be initiated against him. “The people of Punjab are now asking a direct question: Where is the evidence?”
Chugh said in the defamation notice: “Immediately retract all defamatory, false and malicious statements made by you, issue an unconditional public apology through leading print, electronic and social media platforms within seven days of receipt of this notice and refrain from making any further defamatory, unfounded or inflammatory statements against the BJP, its leaders, workers or supporters, read the notice.”
Speaking to reporters at Anandpur Sahib on Wednesday, Mann alleged that the BJP was trying to create an atmosphere of fear in Punjab ahead of the assembly elections.
“BJP is a communal party. The assembly elections are over in West Bengal and they (BJP) have said that now it is Punjab’s turn, which shows that these minor outbursts are part of the preparations for the Punjab assembly elections,” Mann said. he said.
