Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its state leadership while addressing people during his ‘Shukrana Yatra’ in Bathinda, accusing the party of trying to spread hatred and divide people on communal lines in the state. Referring to the recent violence in West Bengal, Mann said, “See what is happening in Bengal. There are fire incidents all over. This is their way of functioning.”Reacting strongly to the BJP seeking a case against him over his statement on the recent blasts in the state, Mann, while standing on the roof of an SUV, said, “They say a sedition case should be registered against Bhagwant Mann. Jakhar sahib, you are experienced and have spent years in the Congress, so you know better.” He questioned the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over patriotism, alleging that the National Flag was not hoisted at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur for 52 years. “Will they now give us certificates of patriotism or anti-nationalism?” he asked.The Chief Minister said Punjabis had made immense sacrifices during the country’s freedom struggle. “Did any of their (BJP leaders’) relatives die during 1947? Around 10 lakh people were killed, and they were our relatives. We know the price paid for Independence,” he said. Mann further claimed that Punjabis had made the maximum sacrifices for the nation and alleged that despite this, Punjabis were being branded anti-national.Praising Punjab’s communal harmony, Mann said the state’s soil was fertile enough to grow every crop, “but the seed of hatred cannot grow here.” He warned the BJP against trying to divide people in Punjab and said such “tactics” may work in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal and Bihar, but would not succeed in Punjab.Mann said people of all communities in Punjab celebrate festivals together, citing Ram Navami, Gurpurabs and Hanuman Jayanti as examples of shared traditions. “Do not try to divide us. BJP leaders should refrain from such activities,” he added.He further targeted the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), especially Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia. He also recited verses from his satirical ‘kikli’ on the Badals and the SAD. He criticised the Congress as well.The four-day ‘Shukrana Yatra’ has entered its third day today and will conclude at Fatehgarh Sahib on Saturday. Mann is scheduled to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib later in the day, after which the ‘yatra’ would proceed to Mansa and Barnala districts.The Chief Minister is undertaking the yatra to thank the Almighty for the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, describing it as a “historic step”.The security was beefed up in the town today, especially after Thursday’s incident when incarcerated Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s mother Balwinder Kaur managed to reach the Chief Minister’s vehicle at Rayya in Amritsar district and question him about Amritpal’s non-release from jail despite the expiry of his detention under the National Security Act (NSA). Meanwhile, ahead of the CM’s visit, some activists were detained by police in Barnala district.