‘BJP’s style of functioning’: Mann alleges political conspiracy behind Punjab blasts; DGP warns of ISI proxy war

The BJP and the Congress target the AAP government over the alleged breakdown of law and order in Punjab

Written by: Kanchan Vasdev, Kamaldeep Singh Brar

5 min readChandigarhUpdated: May 7, 2026 11:44 AM IST

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (File photo).

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Wednesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was behind the two blasts reported in the state within 24 hours, even as state police chief Gaurav Yadav indicated the explosions in Jalandhar and Amritsar could be the handiwork of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Punjab has been jolted by two blasts, triggering concern across the state. The first explosion took place in Jalandhar, near the Border Security Force (BSF) headquarters, where a scooter blast caused panic in the area. The second incident occurred a few hours later in Amritsar, near the Khasa Cantonment area, close to the Indian Army establishment.

Mann’s allegations drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which called for the chief minister’s resignation, while the Congress accused him of indulging in “cheap politics”.

“This is the BJP’s style of functioning. Whenever they have to contest an election in a state, they either engineer riots, blasts, or create tension between people of two faiths. These blasts mean that the BJP is getting ready for Punjab,” Mann said while speaking to the media at Anandpur Sahib.

Also Read | 3 blasts in less than 10 days: Punjab Police face mounting heat over security lapses

Calling the BJP a “communal party”, he said, “Now that the Bengal elections are over, they are turning to Punjab. They have themselves said that their next target is Punjab. That is how they garner votes by scaring people away. They should mend their ways. Punjab believes in world peace and in Sarbat Da Bhala. These vile acts will not work. Punjabis have always stood like a rock with the country.”

Continuing his attack on the BJP, he said, “It is in front of everyone. Whenever they go for elections in a state, they polarise by making people from different faiths fight. They are upset with the anti-sacrilege law. They had to create a wedge between people through sacrilege. Now nobody would be ready to desecrate as the law is very stringent. But they have to mend their ways.”

CM Mann said Punjab is a peace-loving state. “People have already seen enough trouble-torn days in the state. The investigation is on and the guilty will be punished,” he said.

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‘Busy throwing political muck’

Responding to Mann’s claims, BJP leader Ashwani Sharma said, “God doesn’t hit you physically; whenever he hits, he takes away your senses. seems your mental condition is not sound.”

“You should resign and seek proper treatment. Punjab is a border state, and you have completely failed to manage it. By throwing mud at the BJP, you are indulging in cheap politics, which reflects your poor thinking,” he said in a social media post.

“For the past four and a half years, the people of Punjab have been suffering due to shootings, explosions, murders, and daily incidents of crime. These are a result of an incompetent AAP government,” added Sharma.

He said that peace, stability, and communal harmony in Punjab are of utmost importance for the BJP.

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Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, in a post on X, said that if Mann has information that BJP leaders or workers are involved, then he should immediately disclose his sources, place the evidence before the people of Punjab, and register criminal cases against all those responsible.

“Whom should the people of Punjab trust — the political leadership or the state’s top police officer?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Randhawa, in a post on X, said that by admitting that such incidents are repeatedly happening in Punjab, Mann has himself exposed the complete breakdown of law and order in the state. “Instead of fixing security failures, the AAP government is busy throwing political muck at the Centre, virtually laying the carpet for President’s rule in Punjab,” he added.

‘A handful of elements from Pakistan’s ISI’

DGP Yadav said the police are investigating the blasts. “We are living in a state of proxy war, and inputs keep coming, and we keep on acting on them. Punjab is a frontline state, as our CM has said many times, that Punjab is fighting for the country.”

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DGP Yadav also cautioned against an alleged attempt by ISI to create a narrative that Punjab is disturbed. “I would like to inform you that there is an attempt by ISI… I would like to say Punjab is the most peaceful state in the country. A handful of elements from Pakistan’s ISI are trying to disturb the situation in Punjab.”

“It appears that an improvised device was assembled. Most likely, because no wires have been found, it is either a timed explosion or done with a remote… We are working on the clues received from CCTV analysis,” he added.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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