Chandigarh, 18 June (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday strongly rejected allegations linked to a controversial viral video and said that two independent forensic reports had completely exposed the truth behind what he described as a fake and politically motivated video. Addressing Punjabis across the world through a video message, Mann said his entire public life had been dedicated to serving Punjab, the Sangat and Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and no propaganda could weaken his bond with the people.
The Chief Minister said that 1,191 frames of the video were examined by two independent laboratories located outside Punjab. He claimed that not even one frame matched his face, side profile, front profile, eyes, height, physique or body structure. According to him, the reports also mentioned that the person seen in the video was around two inches taller than him. Mann alleged that another individual was used to imitate him and create the fake video with the intention of defaming him.
Calling the episode a planned conspiracy, the Chief Minister said he had directed the Punjab DGP to identify every person involved in creating, financing, shooting and circulating the video, whether they were in India or abroad. He said those responsible should be brought before the Nanak Naam Leva Sangat.
Mann said the controversy was being raised because certain political forces could not tolerate the progress being made in Punjab and the love people were showing towards him. He accused rival parties of using religion as a shield to protect their shrinking political relevance. The Chief Minister also said that he had already told Sri Akal Takht Sahib that he was not present in the video.
Highlighting his government’s work, Mann said his administration had provided free electricity to 90 per cent of households, given more than 67,000 government jobs without corruption, opened Aam Aadmi Clinics and Schools of Eminence, improved roads and closed toll plazas, saving around ₹70 lakh daily. He also claimed that canal water usage for irrigation had increased from 22 per cent to more than 80 per cent, with water reaching tail-end villages after decades.
Referring to Sikh religious institutions, Mann said his government had waived tax on vehicles carrying Palki Sahib, granted holy city status to Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo, and enacted a stricter law against sacrilege. He appealed to Punjabis not to fall prey to political conspiracies and said every heartbeat of his life would continue to beat for Punjab.
Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH
