Chandigarh, June 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly rejected allegations linked to a controversial video that recently became the subject of action by the Akal Takht, asserting that the individual seen in the footage is not him and accusing his political opponents of orchestrating a campaign to tarnish his image.
In a detailed statement issued on Sunday, Mann responded to the directives reportedly issued by Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar concerning the video and reiterated his stand that the footage neither depicts him nor is connected to him in any manner.
“The person seen in the video is not me,” Mann said, adding that he had conveyed the same position when he appeared before Akal Takht Sahib earlier. He argued that the physical appearance, height and body structure of the person in the video did not match his own.
Alleges Political Motive Behind Controversy
The Chief Minister alleged that certain individuals occupying influential religious positions were acting under political influence and were engaged in spreading what he termed a false narrative against him.
Mann claimed that attempts were being made to defame him because of decisions taken by his government in matters relating to Punjab’s interests, including the protection of the state’s water resources, agriculture, youth and Sikh religious values.
According to him, these decisions had unsettled certain political interests, leading to efforts aimed at damaging his credibility.
Reaffirms Respect for Akal Takht Sahib
While criticising what he described as politically motivated actions by certain office-bearers, Mann reiterated his respect for Akal Takht Sahib and Sikh institutions.
He stated that Akal Takht Sahib remained the supreme temporal authority for Sikhs and emphasized that he held the institution in the highest regard.
“At no point can I even imagine confronting Akal Takht Sahib,” Mann said, while distinguishing between the institution itself and those currently holding positions within its administrative and decision-making structures.
Claims Religion Being Used for Political Purposes
The Chief Minister alleged that religion was being misused as a tool to target him politically.
He maintained that the controversy surrounding the video was part of a larger effort to malign him and undermine the work being undertaken by his government.
Mann categorically rejected the authenticity of the allegations linked to the video and accused certain religious functionaries and their political patrons of engaging in what he described as unfair and misleading tactics.
Defends Government’s Sacrilege Legislation
Mann also referred to the Punjab Government’s recent efforts to strengthen legal provisions against sacrilege, arguing that his administration had acted decisively on an issue that had long remained unresolved.
He claimed that some of the same quarters that had earlier demanded stronger legislation against sacrilege were now opposing the measures introduced by his government.
The Chief Minister alleged inconsistency in the positions adopted by his critics and said their changing stand had exposed political motivations behind the criticism.
References Past Sacrilege Controversies
Without naming specific individuals, Mann referred to past incidents and controversies related to sacrilege and subsequent political developments.
He questioned why, according to him, stronger action had not been taken against those who had earlier admitted mistakes or faced allegations connected to such incidents.
The Chief Minister alleged that selective criticism was being directed at him while others were being spared scrutiny.
Appeals to Sikh Sangat
Concluding his statement, Mann appealed to the Sikh community and followers of Guru Nanak’s teachings not to be influenced by what he termed political propaganda.
He expressed confidence that the Sikh Sangat would ultimately assess the matter objectively and arrive at its own conclusions.
Mann reiterated his commitment to serving Punjab and said he would continue taking decisions in the interests of the state and its people for as long as he remained entrusted with public responsibility.
“Punjab lives in every fibre of my being. I will continue to work day and night for Punjab and its people,” he said.
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