Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday declared that those who remained hand in glove with the perpetrators of beadbi (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib during previous regimes would soon be put behind bars, asserting that the Punjab Government has now ensured strict legal punishment for anyone involved in desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji through the historic Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026.
Addressing a massive gathering during the Shukrana Yatra, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Act would act as a permanent deterrent against beadbi and ensure that no one dares to disturb Punjab’s peace and communal harmony again.
Expressing gratitude to the Almighty for giving him the opportunity to serve humanity through the enactment of the law, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “My heart is indebted to the Almighty for blessing me with the service of enacting the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act 2026, which provides harsher punishment for beadbi.”
He urged people to spread awareness in villages about the provisions of the law and ensure that the masses know that anyone indulging in beadbi would now face stern punishment. “Fearing punishment, top opposition leaders, including Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, are already on the run,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said previous rulers neither had the intent nor the will to enact a law to stop beadbi, due to which incidents of desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji became a recurring tragedy during their rule. “The Punjab Government has now passed a law that will put an end to this forever because no one will dare to commit such an unpardonable offence again,” he stated.
Slamming the Akali leadership, he said they had ordered firing on innocent people who were protesting against beadbi incidents across Punjab. Targeting the Akali leadership over the drug menace, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Akalis should be booked for the genocide of generations because they patronised the drug trade, which flourished during their long misrule.”
He asserted that the hands of these leaders were stained with the blood of Punjab’s youth who fell prey to drugs allegedly supplied in official vehicles during previous regimes. “Their sins are unpardonable and the people of Punjab can never forgive them for destroying generations,” he remarked.
Condemning the Akali Dal for hurting the sentiments of Punjabis through beadbi incidents, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Akalis sought votes in the name of Gurbani while simultaneously disrespecting the bani of the Gurus. Referring to the former Deputy Chief Minister, he said Akali leaders often boast of development during their tenure but deliberately ignore Kotakpura, Behbal Kalan and other incidents where beadbi took place and innocent people lost their lives.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the Akali leadership mercilessly looted Punjab and patronised mafias that weakened the state socially and economically. “They emotionally bruised Punjabis and protected mafias that ruined Punjab. Their role in encouraging the drug trade during their rule amounts to betrayal of the people,” he said.
Taking a jibe at Sukhbir Singh Badal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Akalis have completely lost their support base among the masses and now rely on paid workers to create crowds at rallies. “The same faces are visible in every Akali rally,” he said, adding that leaders who once claimed they would rule Punjab for 25 years have now been pushed into political oblivion by the wise and courageous people of Punjab.
Calling the Akali leadership opportunistic, he said they change their stance and ideology according to political convenience. Citing an example, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said leaders responsible for beadbi had once appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and admitted their mistakes publicly, but later took a complete U-turn when it no longer suited their political interests.
“The people of Punjab know their real face and understand how they have repeatedly misled the public through political gimmicks,” he asserted. He added that leaders once considered politically invincible are today unable to even find five members to constitute a party committee.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reminded people that previous rulers had patronised gangsters and shielded drug smugglers, pushing Punjab’s youth toward addiction. “The people of Punjab will never forgive the Akalis for these sins and will teach them another befitting lesson,” he said, adding that despite repeatedly being elected by the people, the Akalis betrayed Punjab and backstabbed its citizens.
“They misused religion for political interests and the people can never forgive them for this,” he added. Highlighting the significance of the legislation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government was fortunate to have been entrusted with the responsibility of passing such a historic Act.
“Beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was part of a deep-rooted conspiracy to disturb peace, brotherhood and communal harmony in Punjab,” he stated, adding that the Act clearly stipulates exemplary punishment for anyone found guilty of the offence. Expressing hope that the law would deter future incidents, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh and protecting its sanctity is the collective responsibility of society. He said people across the world are expressing gratitude and happiness over the enactment of the law.
“To thank the Almighty for giving us the strength and courage to pass this historic Act, I have begun this Shukrana Yatra from Sri Anandpur Sahib,” he said, adding that till May 9 he would pay obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Damdama Sahib, Mastuana Sahib, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the sole objective of the yatra is to express gratitude to the Almighty for enabling the Punjab Government to enact this important legislation. Thanking the people who gathered in large numbers despite the scorching heat, he said he remains committed to serving the people. “Unlike leaders who step out only after checking the temperature outside, I remain among the people for their welfare,” he added.