Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan on Monday strongly reacted to remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting that attempts to pursue politics on religious lines will not succeed in Punjab. Mann said the state has a long-standing tradition of communal harmony and unity, and divisive narratives have never found acceptance among its people.
Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said the Bharatiya Janata Party has often relied on religious polarisation to gain political ground in several states, but such tactics would not yield results in Punjab. He emphasised that the people of the state value peace, brotherhood and mutual respect among communities.
Mann also urged national leaders to avoid making statements related to religious conversion or other sensitive issues while visiting Punjab, stating that such remarks are not in line with the state’s social fabric. According to him, Punjab’s identity has always been shaped by coexistence and collective resilience rather than by divisions.
Highlighting the legacy of sacrifice associated with the land of the Gurus, Mann said Punjabis are heirs to a tradition that stood for the protection of humanity and faith. He added that the people of the state are fully capable of safeguarding their cultural and spiritual heritage without external political pressure.
Reiterating his position, the Chief Minister said Punjab has historically resisted forces that attempted to create divisions in society. He maintained that the state will continue to uphold its tradition of harmony and will not allow religion to be used as a tool for political gain.
