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Amritsar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann appeared before the Akal Takht secretariat on Thursday in connection with allegations of making derogatory remarks about Sikh institutions.
The Chief Minister arrived in Amritsar on Wednesday night and proceeded to the Akal Takht Secretariat on January 15, following a summons issued by the officiating Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.
A secretariat official said preparations were made in accordance with the Jathedar’s directions. “The secretariat usually opens at 9.30 am. Special staff deployment and other arrangements were put in place for the meeting with the Chief Minister,” the official said.
The meeting was initially scheduled for 10 am but was later rescheduled to 4.30 pm, citing the Chief Minister’s proposed engagement during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Guru Nanak Dev University. However, CM Mann clarified that he had cancelled all official appointments and informed the President’s office in advance, stating that the entire day was reserved for responding to the Akal Takht’s summons.
On Thursday morning, CM Mann left the Circuit House in Amritsar and paid obeisance at the Golden Temple, entering through the traditional Ghanta Ghar gate at around 11.16 am, wearing a yellow turban. Sources said the Chief Minister walked barefoot to the Akal Takht Secretariat as a mark of respect.
Later, it was learnt that an understanding was reached between the Punjab Government and the Akal Takht Secretariat regarding the timing of the meeting, with the Chief Minister reaching the secretariat around noon. Ajnala MLA and AAP spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal accompanied him.
Sources indicated that CM Mann had prepared a written response to the allegations. The proceedings were not telecast live, and it was anticipated that the officiating Jathedar might ask the Chief Minister to submit his written explanation regarding the charges of alleged religious misconduct.
