Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Summoned by Akal Takht for Alleged Anti-Sikh Remarks
Akal Takht's Summons to Chief Minister
The acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has summoned Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to appear at the secretariat on January 15. The summons is due to allegations of 'anti-Sikh comments', 'inappropriate conduct', and a recent video that the Takht claims has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. Mann responded by stating that he will accept and comply with any order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib with utmost reverence. He expressed his intention to walk barefoot to the Takht, emphasizing that despite the President's visit to Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar on the same day, he will adhere to the Takht's directive. Mann affirmed that the orders from Sri Akal Takht Sahib hold paramount importance for him and his family.
On Monday, the acting Jathedar criticized Mann for allegedly making comments regarding the 'Guru Ki Golak' (donation box of the Gurudwara) and for being involved in 'objectionable activities' alongside images of Sikh Gurus and the slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The Jathedar stated that Mann has deliberately exhibited an anti-Sikh mentality and has repeatedly made inappropriate remarks against the principle of 'Dasvandh', which involves donating 10% of one's income to places of worship. Mann is the second sitting Chief Minister of Punjab to be summoned by Akal Takht, following actions taken against Surjit Barnala in the 1980s.
Political Reactions and Support
Mann has received unexpected support from various quarters. The BJP criticized the summons from Akal Takht, with Punjab spokesperson Sarchand Singh labeling it a 'conspiracy' to protect senior leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal and those involved in the case of the 328 missing sacred scriptures of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He argued that pressuring the Chief Minister under the guise of 'religious disobedience' and obstructing the SIT investigation is a tactic. Singh also pointed out that there is no tradition of summoning any 'patit' Sikh to the Akal Takht secretariat.