A major political controversy has erupted in Punjab after allegations linked to a viral video involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties, religious bodies, and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.
The dispute has quickly escalated into a multi-layered political and legal issue, with demands for resignation on one side and strong denials of conspiracy on the other.
Viral Video Triggers Political and Religious Outrage
The controversy centres on a widely circulated video that allegedly shows a man resembling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in a sensitive and objectionable context involving Sikh Guru images.
The clip has sparked strong reactions across political and religious circles, with the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism, reportedly issuing strong remarks describing Mann as “Guru Dokhi (betrayer of the Gurus)” and “Khalsa Panth virodhi (anti-Khalsa faith)”, further intensifying tensions.
FIR Registered and Arrests Made in Gurugram
The matter took a legal turn after Gurugram Police registered an FIR and arrested two individuals in connection with an alleged conspiracy to influence forensic findings related to the video.
According to investigators, the case involves allegations that attempts were made to pressure forensic experts into declaring the video manipulated, AI-generated, or unreliable, while also disputing the identity of the person seen in the footage.
Authorities are examining digital evidence, financial transactions, and communication records linked to the case.
BJP Demands Immediate Resignation
Reacting strongly, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa launched a sharp attack on the Punjab government and demanded accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
He alleged that there were attempts to suppress the matter using influence and financial pressure and questioned why no direct action had been taken against the Chief Minister.
He said the dignity of Sikh religious sentiments had been challenged and demanded a full investigation and arrest in connection with the case.
Akali Dal Escalates Allegations of Conspiracy
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia intensified his attack, alleging that meetings were held in Gurugram hotels where plans were made to discredit the viral video through manipulated forensic reports.
He also raised questions over alleged cash transactions and claimed that large sums of money were used in the process, demanding investigation by central agencies such as the CBI and ED.
Majithia further called for criminal proceedings against officials and political leaders allegedly involved, including Punjab government representatives.
AAP Rejects Claims, Calls It Political Targeting
The Aam Aadmi Party strongly rejected all allegations and questioned the authenticity of the viral video.
Punjab AAP president Aman Arora stated that the ruling party believes the video is being misrepresented and argued that if manipulation had been intended, state forensic facilities could have been used instead of external laboratories.
He also accused the opposition of using the controversy to divert attention from governance issues and law-and-order challenges in other states.
Protests and Counter-Protests Across Punjab
Following the emergence of the video, AAP organised protests across Punjab, accusing opposition parties of circulating a fabricated clip to damage the Chief Minister’s reputation.
The demonstrations further deepened the political divide, with both sides accusing each other of misinformation and political conspiracy.
Investigation Continues Amid Rising Political Pressure
With Gurugram Police continuing its investigation and forensic examination underway, the controversy remains unresolved and politically sensitive.
The case now sits at the intersection of politics, law enforcement, and religious sentiment, with both the ruling party and opposition intensifying their narratives as scrutiny over the matter continues to grow.
