Low-Intensity Blasts in Jalandhar, Amritsar Spark Political Tensions in Punjab

Political tensions escalated in Punjab on Wednesday following low-intensity twin blasts reported late on May 5 near the BSF headquarters in Jalandhar and outside an army camp in the Khasa area of Amritsar. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the incidents, linking them to the party’s alleged preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Mann alleged that such tactics were part of the BJP’s strategy, claiming that the party incites unrest, orchestrates minor explosions, and attempts to divide people along religious and caste lines ahead of elections. Reacting sharply, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar dismissed Mann’s remarks as irresponsible and made in panic. He said the comments reflected poorly on the Chief Minister’s suitability for the post and accused him of prioritizing politics over allowing the police to conduct a fair investigation. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also challenged Mann to substantiate his claims by registering an FIR against the BJP. He expressed surprise that such serious allegations were made within hours of the blasts, especially when the police had indicated a possible link to Pakistan’s ISI. Bittu further pointed out that a BJP office had also been targeted in recent incidents, questioning the logic behind Mann’s accusations. Referring to past elections, he asked how many grenade attacks had occurred during the West Bengal polls, asserting that the BJP does not believe in creating unrest to gain power. Meanwhile, Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa urged the government to act swiftly and warned against negligence. He stressed that repeated blasts cannot be ignored and called for identifying and punishing those responsible. Bajwa noted that the government cannot remain silent when conspiracy theories are circulating and fear is spreading among the public, especially at a time when Punjab is already grappling with serious challenges like unemployment. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, without naming any political party, described the incidents in the context of a “proxy war.” He stated that Punjab is facing such a situation and assured that ISI-sponsored elements attempting to disturb peace in the state would be crushed. Police and forensic teams are currently investigating both blast sites. No casualties have been reported in the incidents. Given the sensitive nature of the locations near security establishments, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also expected to join the probe. The twin blasts have intensified political confrontation in the border state, even as security agencies continue their investigation.