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Amritsar: Akal Takht officiating Jathedar Kuldip Singh Gargaj on Monday summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to appear at the Akal Takht Secretariat on January 15, seeking an explanation over his alleged utterances against Sikh institutions and related religious issues.
Issuing the summons, Jathedar Gargaj said it was prompted by what he described as repeated statements made by the Chief Minister that denigrated and insulted Sikh institutions, hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. He alleged that Mann had made disparaging remarks about core Sikh concepts, including Daswandh and Guru Ki Golak.
The Jathedar further claimed that specific actions and remarks by the Chief Minister concerning images of the Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, as seen in circulating videos, were disrespectful and unbecoming. He added that since the Chief Minister is not a Sabat Surat Sikh, he would not be permitted to appear before the fasil (sanctum) of the Akal Takht and has therefore been directed to present himself at the Secretariat instead.
Responding to the summons, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said he respects the directive issued by the Akal Takht. In a message posted on X, he stated that he would comply with the order with humility.
“Like a humble Sikh, I will appear before the Akal Takht by walking barefoot, and not as the Chief Minister,” Mann said.
He also noted that the President of India is scheduled to visit Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar on January 15 and sought forgiveness for his inability to attend that event. “For me, Akal Takht is supreme,” the Chief Minister said, underlining his reverence for the highest temporal seat of Sikhism.
