The day after the Gurgaon police registered an FIR in connection with an alleged fake forensic report on a controversial video purportedly showing him, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Wednesday said the owners of forensic laboratories were being pressured as he accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of joining hands to politically and religiously defame him.In a video message to the people, Mann maintained that the video was fake and said there was no resemblance between him and the person seen in the clip. He said neither the physique, height, manner of walking, nor manner of standing of the person matched his own.Mann said people from across the world had contacted him after the video surfaced and told him it appeared to be fake. “People could easily make out that the video was not genuine,” he said.Referring to forensic reports cited by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to support its claim that the video had been fabricated, Mann alleged, “Those associated with the laboratories were now being targeted. They were threatened with legal action and pressured into saying the reports had been prepared for money. According to them, the laboratory from which we got the report is fake and the one they rely on is genuine. People know who is speaking the truth and who is not,” he said.‘Opposition unable to mount political challenge’The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP, Congress and SAD had come together in Punjab because they were unable to challenge him politically or socially. He claimed that, having failed to take on his government on governance issues, they were now trying to tarnish his image on religious grounds.Mann said fresh videos were being circulated regularly on social media to target him. Describing them as fake, he urged people not to believe content generated through artificial intelligence (AI) or spread online without verification. “These leaders are not there on the ground anymore. They exist only on AI,” he said.He also referred to the Opposition’s plans to display his posters at religious events and accused his political opponents of adopting double standards. In an apparent reference to the Akali Dal, Mann said those who had admitted before the Akal Takht to mistakes committed during their tenure were now questioning him. He alleged that political rivals were selectively raising issues to attack him while ignoring their own record.Story continues below this adThe Chief Minister said opposition parties were uncomfortable with the public response he continued to receive during village visits, public meetings and Lok Milni programmes. “They cannot digest the crowds that gather wherever I go,” he said, adding that this was the reason they had resorted to what he described as a campaign of disinformation.Focus on governance, welfareMann said he would continue to focus on governance and public welfare. Listing his government’s initiatives, he referred to work relating to electricity, water supply, roads, schools, hospitals, employment generation, village ponds and the expansion of canal irrigation. He said these were the issues on which his government would maintain its focus.Describing himself as “a man of the people”, Mann said he had left behind a successful career to enter public life and would continue to remain among ordinary citizens. “I leave the judgment to you. You have to deliver the final verdict. I will remain among people. I am from among them,” he said.Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... 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