Chandigarh, 16 June (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister

Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday strongly rejected a viral video being attributed

to him and alleged that a malicious and politically motivated conspiracy was

being carried out to defame him. He claimed that the campaign was being

executed at the behest of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to

target him and derail his government’s pro-people decisions.

In a video message, the Chief Minister said that the

person shown in the video was not him. He stated that when he was earlier

summoned before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, he had clearly informed the Jathedar that

the video did not belong to him. Mann said the physical build, appearance and

body structure of the person seen in the video did not match him, yet false

propaganda was being spread to damage his reputation.

The Chief Minister said he holds Sri Akal Takht Sahib in

the highest esteem and bows before its authority with deep reverence. He added

that he had never thought of challenging the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib

and that neither he nor generations of his family could ever imagine doing so.

Mann alleged that religion was being misused for

political purposes and that certain politically influenced functionaries were

being used to spread misleading propaganda against him. He targeted the

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president, saying that he had openly

become a propagandist for the Akali Dal. He further remarked that the only

thing left was to issue a directive asking people to vote for Sukhbir Badal,

otherwise the Panth would be declared in danger.

The Chief Minister said some vested interests were upset

with the decisions being taken by his government for Punjab’s water, youth,

agriculture and religious values. Referring to his government’s anti-beadbi

legislation, Mann said those who earlier questioned why such a law was not

being brought were now questioning why it had been enacted.

He appealed to the Nanak Naam Leva Sangat not to fall

prey to misleading and malicious propaganda. Mann said the final verdict would

always rest with the Sangat and the people.

Reaffirming his commitment to Punjab, the Chief Minister said Punjab resides

in every fibre of his being and every heartbeat of his heart. He added that as

long as he has the responsibility of serving Punjab, he will continue taking

decisions in favour of the state, its rights and its people.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH