Punjab Blasts Trigger Massive Political Storm: CM Bhagwant Mann Blames BJP, Rivals Cite ISI Angle

Explosions near BSF headquarters in Jalandhar and Army camp in Amritsar spark security concerns, political blame game and nationwide debate over Punjab’s law and order situation.

Punjab witnessed a dramatic political and security flashpoint after back-to-back blasts in Jalandhar and Amritsar triggered a fierce confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP, Congress and Akali leaders. While Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of attempting to create fear ahead of elections, security agencies and opposition leaders pointed towards the possible involvement of Pakistan-backed terror elements and the ISI.

The controversy erupted after an explosion took place outside the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar on Tuesday evening, followed nearly three hours later by a grenade attack attempt near the Army camp at Khasa in Amritsar.

Two Blasts Within Three Hours

According to Punjab Police officials, the first incident occurred around 7:57 PM near the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar, where an explosive device detonated near a scooter parked outside the complex. CCTV footage reportedly showed a suspect approaching from the wrong side of the road, placing a packet wrapped in polythene near the scooter and fleeing moments before the blast.

The scooter belonged to Gurpreet Singh, a 21-year-old delivery worker and son of retired BSF personnel Kashmir Singh. Gurpreet had reportedly arrived to collect a parcel but was asked by security personnel to park outside due to not wearing a helmet. Police later detained him for questioning.

The second incident took place near the Army camp at Khasa in Amritsar around 11 PM. According to police officials, two masked men on a motorcycle allegedly hurled an explosive towards the Army premises. The device struck a boundary wall and exploded outside the camp, damaging a tin shed and portions of the outer wall.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said the blasts appeared to involve improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and could have been triggered using timers or remote mechanisms. He indicated that Pakistan’s ISI could be behind the incidents and linked the timing to the anniversary of “Operation Sindoor.”

CM Bhagwant Mann Targets BJP

Even before the investigation progressed, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a direct political attack on the BJP, alleging that the blasts were part of the party’s “election strategy.”

Addressing a gathering at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mann claimed the BJP attempts to create fear and instability in poll-bound states through riots and small-scale blasts to polarize voters. He said Punjab’s peaceful atmosphere would not be allowed to be disturbed for political gains.

The Chief Minister’s remarks immediately escalated the issue into a national political controversy.

Raghav Chadha Attacks Mann

Former AAP leader and now BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha strongly criticized Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of indirectly giving a “clean chit” to Pakistan’s ISI.

Chadha questioned why the Chief Minister was dismissing the possibility of Pakistani involvement despite Punjab DGP’s preliminary assessment. He alleged that Mann was echoing the narrative often promoted by hostile foreign agencies after terror incidents.

Calling Punjab a “sensitive border state,” Chadha said the state government should focus on deteriorating law and order rather than indulging in political blame games.

BJP Leaders Intensify Attack

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the Punjab government of failing to maintain law and order and challenged Bhagwant Mann to register an FIR against BJP leaders if he genuinely believed the party was behind the attacks.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also lashed out at Mann, saying the Punjab CM was making irresponsible statements despite his own police chief indicating possible ISI involvement.

BJP leaders including Sambit Patra, Tarun Chugh and Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma accused the AAP government of trying to divert attention from security failures.

Congress, Akalis Raise Questions

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described the blasts as deeply worrying and questioned whether intelligence and security systems had failed.

Congress MP and former Deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa criticized Mann’s remarks as “irresponsible” and asked whether the CM would formally name the BJP or the Union government in an FIR.

Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia alleged that the Punjab government was attempting to downplay the seriousness of the attacks despite CCTV evidence suggesting otherwise.

Family of Detained Delivery Boy in Distress

Meanwhile, emotional scenes unfolded at the residence of Gurpreet Singh in Jalandhar after news of his detention spread.

His mother broke down while speaking to journalists, insisting her son was innocent and had no links with anti-national activities. His father, retired BSF personnel Kashmir Singh, said Gurpreet grew up in a patriotic environment and could never be involved in terrorism.

The family claimed police had not allowed them to speak to him after he was taken into custody.

NIA Begins Probe, Khalistani Group Claims Responsibility

Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and central forensic units have reached both blast sites to assist in the investigation.

Complicating the situation further, a social media poster allegedly issued in the name of the Khalistan Liberation Army (KLA) claimed responsibility for the attacks and threatened Punjab Police officials, including Amritsar range DIG Sandeep Goyal and his family.

Security agencies are now probing the authenticity of the claim.

Political Narrative Intensifies Ahead of Elections

The blasts have rapidly transformed from a security issue into a major political confrontation in Punjab. The ruling AAP is portraying the incidents as part of a larger conspiracy to disturb Punjab’s peace before elections, while opposition parties accuse the state government of shielding hostile foreign actors and failing to maintain security.

With the NIA investigation underway and political rhetoric intensifying, the incidents are likely to dominate Punjab’s political discourse in the coming days.