Not a single frame matches me: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann rejects Akal Takht's charges

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday strongly rejected allegations linked to a controversial video that recently sparked a political and religious row, asserting that two independent forensic reports had conclusively established that he was not the person seen in the footage.

Addressing Punjabis across the world through a video message, Mann said his entire public life had been devoted to serving the people of Punjab and safeguarding the interests of the state. He alleged that the controversy was part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at tarnishing his image because certain forces were unable to accept Punjab's progress and the public support enjoyed by his government.

The Chief Minister's remarks came days after the Akal Takht declared him "Guru Dokhi" and "Khalsa Panth Virodhi" over the video controversy.

Mann claimed that forensic experts examined 1,191 frames from the video and found that none matched his facial features, height, body structure or physical appearance. According to him, the reports also concluded that the person seen in the footage was approximately two inches taller than him.

"The reports clearly establish that another individual was used to create this video and falsely portray it as me," Mann said, adding that the origin, location and circumstances surrounding the recording remained unclear.

The Chief Minister said he had directed the Punjab Director General of Police to identify everyone involved in creating, financing and circulating the video and bring them before the Sangat, regardless of where they were located.

MANN HIGHLIGHTS ON GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Defending his record, Mann highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his government, including tax exemptions for vehicles used to carry religious scriptures, the enactment of a stricter anti-sacrilege law, the granting of holy city status to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo, and the organisation of events commemorating Sikh history.

He also pointed to welfare measures such as free electricity for most households, government jobs for thousands of youth, Aam Aadmi Clinics, Schools of Eminence and improvements in irrigation infrastructure through expanded canal water usage.

Mann accused opposition parties and certain religious functionaries of using religion for political purposes and attempting to undermine his government. While reaffirming his respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Sikh Sangat, he appealed to Punjabis not to fall prey to what he described as politically motivated conspiracies.

The Chief Minister reiterated that he would continue working for Punjab and serving its people, stating that every decision of his government was aimed at protecting the state's interests and welfare.

- Ends