Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann strongly condemned the recent attempt to hurl a shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Speaking to the media on Friday, Mann described the act as “dastardly” and aimed at undermining the judiciary. He alleged that the incident reflects the BJP’s anti-Scheduled Caste (SC) stance and accused the party of using harmful propaganda to target weaker and underprivileged sections of society.
Mann’s comments came during the filing of nomination papers by AAP candidate Rajinder Gupta for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll in Punjab. The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the attack, saying it was disrespectful to an institution that has grown through dedication and hard work. He called upon all political parties and citizens to uphold respect for the judiciary.
During his interaction with the media, Mann accused the BJP of spreading “venomous propaganda” against the underprivileged and marginalised communities. He claimed that the opposition was trying to use such incidents to create unrest and divert attention from governance issues.
Commenting on the recent criticism from opposition parties regarding flood management, Mann said that blaming the state government was unfair. He explained that floods are natural calamities affecting several states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and cannot be blamed on any individual or party.
Mann also reassured people that the state government is taking all necessary steps to assess the damage caused by floods. He said the girdawari (damage assessment) process is underway, and affected citizens will soon receive compensation cheques. According to him, the government is committed to providing relief to those impacted by natural disasters, while ensuring transparency in the process.
The Chief Minister emphasised that governance and relief work should not be politicised. He urged opposition parties to focus on constructive criticism rather than resorting to blame games that could destabilise public confidence in government institutions.
On the same day, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate and industrialist Rajinder Gupta filed his nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha bypoll in Punjab. The nomination was submitted to the secretary of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in the presence of CM Mann, AAP state chief Aman Arora, cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora, and Lok Sabha member Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer.
The bypoll, scheduled for October 24, 2025, is being held to fill a casual vacancy created by the resignation of Sanajeev Arora, who stepped down on July 1 after winning the Ludhiana West assembly bypoll. Arora was originally elected to the Rajya Sabha in April 2022, and his term was due to end on April 9, 2028. If Gupta wins, he will serve the remainder of Arora’s term in the Upper House.
Rajinder Gupta, who recently resigned as vice-chairman of the state economic policy and planning board and as chairperson of the Sri Kali Devi Temple Advisory Committee, is a well-known industrialist in the state. Gupta’s nomination has been welcomed by party leaders, including CM Mann, who were present during the filing.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the bypoll is crucial for strengthening the AAP’s representation in the Rajya Sabha and ensuring that the party’s developmental agenda continues at the national level. Mann expressed confidence in Gupta’s abilities to represent Punjab effectively and address key issues related to governance, industry, and public welfare.
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CM Mann used the opportunity to reiterate the importance of trust in government institutions, particularly the judiciary. He stated that incidents like the attempted attack on the CJI not only endanger public order but also undermine the credibility of democratic institutions.
He appealed to all political parties to avoid personal attacks and respect the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. Mann emphasised that citizens’ welfare, infrastructure development, and disaster relief should remain the top priority of all elected representatives, rather than political propaganda or blame games.
Mann also highlighted that the AAP government in Punjab is committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and public welfare in all sectors. From flood relief and urban development to economic planning and public services, the government is working on multiple fronts to ensure the state’s growth and stability.
The Chief Minister’s comments came at a time when Punjab is preparing for important bypolls and national scrutiny. By addressing both the attack on the CJI and the Rajya Sabha bypoll, Mann aimed to reinforce his government’s focus on law, order, and governance, while drawing attention to what he sees as the BJP’s negative influence on marginalized communities.
Through his remarks, Mann also signalled that the AAP government remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, especially those from weaker and underprivileged sections. The focus, according to him, will continue to be on constructive development, legal integrity, and public service, ensuring that governance is not affected by political vendettas or propaganda.
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