In a sharp rebuke to the Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday accused the Congress leader of attempting to spread fear and panic among the people through false and baseless claims, warning that the people of Punjab will never tolerate such “divisive and mischievous” politics.

Reacting strongly to Bajwa’s recent claim on hand grenades, Mann said that the statement was not only irrational but also a deliberate attempt to incite public fear. “Neither state nor central agencies have any such input. The claim is totally fabricated and aimed at disturbing peace,” he said.

Mann said that it was ironic that instead of providing the location of the alleged bombs, Bajwa was now scrambling for legal support to shield himself from the consequences of his statement. “He is now running from pillar to post seeking legal refuge after making such a reckless claim,” Mann quipped.

Lashing out at the opposition, Mann said that traditional parties were rattled because a common man like him, not born into privilege or political dynasty, was now running the state effectively. “They believed they had a divine right to rule Punjab. Now that illusion has been shattered,” he added.

He accused opposition leaders of long exploiting the people while living in luxury and ignoring the real issues. “These leaders, once enjoying the comforts of power, are now irrelevant. The people have shown them the door,” Mann asserted.

In a stinging remark, the Chief Minister said that those who boasted of ruling Punjab for 25 years have been reduced to political irrelevance. “They never cared for the common man, cocooned behind high walls and palatial residences. Today, the people have taught them a befitting lesson,” he said.

Mann urged the opposition to shun fear-mongering and instead engage in issue-based, constructive politics. “Punjab has moved on. The era of manipulation and falsehood is over,” he concluded.