Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann addresses LPU protests and sacrilege law amendments

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has addressed two major developments in the state. First, he ordered strict action and directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to investigate an alleged rape incident at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara. The incident sparked violent student protests and the temporary closure of the university for 10 days. While LPU has rejected the allegations as fabricated, a Special Investigating Team has been formed to examine the matter.

Second, Mann met with a seven-member high-level committee to discuss the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening legal protections against sacrilege (beadbi) to protect the sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Chief Minister emphasized that the core provisions, including life imprisonment and heavy fines for perpetrators, must not be diluted, while expressing a commitment to consult with the panel from Sri Akal Takht Sahib to reach a consensus.

In a separate political matter, BJP leader R. Ashoka accused the Karnataka government of delaying 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme payments by imposing new technical requirements, such as mandatory SIM card registration, which he claims disproportionately affects poor and rural women.