Amritsar, January 5

The Jathedar of Akal Takht, Kuldip Singh Gargaj, on Monday summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to appear on January 15, seeking an explanation over remarks and videos that allegedly hurt Sikh religious sentiments.

In a statement, the Akal Takht said the Chief Minister’s comments and actions in certain videos—purportedly involving references to Sikh Gurus and former Damdami Taksal chief Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale—were disrespectful and amounted to sacrilege. The Jathedar alleged that while addressing a serious Panthic issue, Mann made “highly objectionable” remarks against the Sikh Rehat Maryada, the supreme authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and core Sikh principles such as dasvandh and Guru Ki Golak, thereby deeply wounding Sikh sentiments.

The statement further said that objectionable videos had surfaced in which the Chief Minister was allegedly seen engaging in inappropriate conduct with images of Sikh Guru Sahiban and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. It added that such remarks and actions reflected “political arrogance” unbecoming of someone holding a constitutional office.

The Jathedar also noted that since the Chief Minister is a patit Sikh—a term used for those who have cut their hair—he cannot be summoned before the sanctum of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Accordingly, Mann has been directed to appear in person before the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on January 15, 2026, at 10 am to submit his clarification.

In a related context, the Akal Takht recalled that in 2024, former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal was declared tankhaiya for violating the Sikh religious code. AGENCIES INPUT