A political firestorm has erupted in Punjab after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confronted Congress MLA and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa over remarks he made during a recent television interview. Bajwa had claimed that 50 grenades had made their way into Punjab, with 18 already detonated and 32 yet to explode.
The claim, which raised serious concerns about public safety and national security, prompted a swift response from CM Mann, who demanded Bajwa disclose the source of his information. Speaking in a video message, Mann questioned whether the Congress leader had direct links to Pakistan or if he was making unsubstantiated remarks to stir panic. “This is not just careless talk—it could be a criminal offense,” said Mann. “If he’s lying to create fear, we will take strict action.”
Soon after the controversy broke, a two-member team from Punjab Police, led by Assistant Inspector General of Intelligence Ravjot Kaur Grewal and Mohali City Superintendent of Police Harbir Atwal, visited Bajwa’s residence to question him. According to police, Bajwa offered limited cooperation during the half-hour inquiry. “He did not share the source of his claim, which is a matter of national interest,” said Grewal.
Bajwa, however, insisted he cooperated fully and stood by his statement. Speaking to the media, he said he could not reveal his sources but stressed that the intelligence had come from credible individuals within both Punjab and the Centre. “I am a four-time MLA, former cabinet minister, and former MP. I have my sources, and what I shared came from them,” he stated.
The Congress MLA claimed that 18 explosions had already occurred in border regions and police stations. Referring to past grenade attacks on political leaders and state infrastructure, he accused the Mann government of overseeing a serious intelligence lapse. “The Chief Minister is too young to have witnessed the insurgency era. I have seen it up close. My father was a victim of terrorism, and I survived a bomb attack myself,” Bajwa said.
He further added that the current situation in Punjab was becoming increasingly fragile, and that he was warned to be cautious. Bajwa expressed concern that the Congress, being out of power both at the Centre and in the state, could be more exposed to threats.
The remarks also ignited criticism from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with Mann demanding clarity from the Congress high command. “Is the Congress working with anti-national elements? Their leadership must clarify Bajwa’s statement,” he said, accusing the opposition of using fear for political mileage.
Mann directed the police to follow up on Bajwa’s claims and locate the remaining explosives, if they exist. “If he knows where these bombs are, he must come forward. Otherwise, we will consider this an attempt to mislead the public and incite fear,” the CM said.
Bajwa, however, remained defiant. “I’ve said what I know, and I’ll continue to share anything that can protect the people of Punjab. But I won’t disclose my sources just because the Chief Minister asks me to,” he concluded.
As of now, the matter remains highly charged, with political parties trading barbs over security lapses and allegations of inciting public fear. The Punjab Police are expected to continue their investigation into the explosive claims, even as calls for accountability grow louder on both sides.
