‘Opposition is trying to defame me religiously’; CM Mann on Video controversy; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 24, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday strongly defended himself amid the controversy surrounding a viral video, alleging that opposition parties are attempting to tarnish his image through a coordinated campaign of misinformation.
Addressing the issue, Mann claimed that leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP and Congress have joined hands to politically and religiously defame him after failing to challenge his government on governance and public welfare issues.
The Chief Minister maintained that the viral video was manipulated and misleading. He said people from across the world had contacted him, calling the video fake and questioning its authenticity. Mann further alleged that after a forensic examination was conducted, efforts were being made to intimidate those associated with the laboratory that examined the footage.
"They have failed politically and socially, so now they are trying to malign me on religious grounds through fake and distorted videos," Mann said.
Responding to reports of boycott calls and protests against him, the Chief Minister also targeted Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal. Mann questioned why similar calls for boycott were not raised in the past over issues for which Badal had publicly accepted responsibility before the Akal Takht.
The Chief Minister asserted that such controversies would not distract him from governance. He said his government would continue focusing on public services, including schools, hospitals, employment generation, canal water supply and village development projects.
"I am a man of the people. As long as the people stand with me, these tactics will not affect me. We will continue working for Punjab at the same pace," Mann said.
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister said he was leaving the final judgment on the controversy to the wisdom of Punjab's people and the Sikh community.