Punjab Chief Minister Warns Against Communal Forces

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday led the third day of the 'Shukrana Yatra' across the Malwa region, warning against communal forces trying to destroy the state's social harmony. He began the yatra from Bathinda and paid obeisance at Sri Damdama Sahib, asserting that Punjabis would never allow such forces to succeed.

The Chief Minister criticized the BJP for trying to brand patriotic Punjabis as 'anti-national' and conspiring to destroy the state's centuries-old social harmony for electoral gains. He also announced that those involved in sacrilege cases would face stringent punishment under the new law, including life imprisonment and fines up to ₹50 lakh.

Addressing massive gatherings at Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda city, and Kotshamir, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon Punjabis to unite against divisive forces inimical to the peace, amity, and communal harmony of the state. He coined the slogan 'Punjab belongs to Punjabis,' saying that those trying to disturb communal harmony are enemies of Punjab.

The Chief Minister targeted RSS and BJP over nationalism, saying that RSS did not hoist the Tricolour at its headquarters for 52 years, yet today they are distributing certificates of patriotism to others. He also referred to Partition, saying that Punjab suffered the most during that painful period and nearly one million Punjabis lost their lives.

The immediate next steps will involve the implementation of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, which stipulates harsher punishment for sacrilege. The Chief Minister's 'Shukrana Yatra' is expected to continue, with further addresses and interactions with the public.