In a dramatic escalation of the Atishi video row, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has thrown down the gauntlet to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Accusing the opposition of spreading baseless allegations, Mann boldly challenged them to seek a CBI probe if they harbored any doubts about the authenticity of the controversial clip.
The controversy erupted when a purported video surfaced online, allegedly showing Delhi Water Minister Atishi in a compromising position. BJP leaders quickly seized on it, demanding her resignation and raising questions about her conduct. However, AAP has vehemently denied the video’s legitimacy, labeling it as doctored footage aimed at maligning their leader ahead of key electoral battles.
Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, Mann didn’t mince words. ‘If BJP has even an iota of doubt, let them approach the CBI for a thorough investigation. We have nothing to hide,’ he declared, flanked by party colleagues. He further accused the BJP of employing dirty tricks to divert attention from their governance failures in Punjab and Delhi.
This isn’t the first time AAP and BJP have locked horns over digital misinformation. Recall the 2022 Gujarat elections where similar deepfake allegations flew thick and fast. Political analysts see Mann’s CBI challenge as a masterstroke, putting the onus back on BJP to substantiate their claims or risk being branded as peddlers of fake news.
As the video continues to circulate on social media, garnering millions of views, the public remains divided. AAP supporters rally behind Atishi, while BJP vows to pursue the matter legally. With assembly polls looming, this showdown could define the narrative for months to come.
Mann concluded his address with a rallying cry: ‘Truth will prevail, and fake narratives will crumble.’ The ball is now in BJP’s court—will they take up the challenge, or let the controversy simmer?