Amritsar, June 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday clarified that he has not been summoned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib in connection with the passage of the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2026, asserting that the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, members of his Council of Ministers and all Sikh MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will appear before the supreme Sikh temporal seat on Monday in compliance with its directions.
Addressing a joint press conference with AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal in Amritsar, Mann reiterated that he holds the highest respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib and has no intention of entering into any confrontation with the supreme Sikh institution.
“The Akal Takht is supreme. All Ministers and Sikh MLAs who have been summoned will appear before it tomorrow and present the government’s stand on the anti-sacrilege legislation passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 26,” Mann said.
He added that after paying obeisance at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the ministers and legislators would brief the media about the proceedings.
‘I Have Not Been Summoned’
Responding to questions about his absence from Monday’s appearance, Mann said he had not received any summons from Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He pointed out that he had earlier appeared before the Akal Takht in connection with a controversial video, which he has consistently maintained was fabricated.
The Chief Minister said at that time he had skipped a programme attended by President Droupadi Murmu to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib after being summoned by the Jathedar.
The Chief Minister said he would submit a written representation along with video material, claiming it demonstrates that the individual seen in the controversial clip was wearing a mask.
“I will place before the Jathedar evidence to show that such masks are commercially available and that the person shown in the video was not me,” Mann said.
Remarks on Religious Functionaries
While reaffirming his respect for Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Mann remarked that many members of the Sikh community also believe that certain individuals holding prominent religious positions have acted selectively in recent times.
Referring to banners displayed outside some gurdwaras urging members of the Sikh community to boycott him, Mann questioned why similar campaigns were not seen when Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal was declared ‘Tankhaiya’ by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He also referred to past controversies involving the grant of relief to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, claiming no such public boycott campaigns were witnessed then.
The Chief Minister maintained that despite calls for his boycott by political opponents, he continues to receive public support during his visits across Punjab, where, according to him, thousands of people attend his public meetings and express solidarity with him.
On Hazur Sahib Row
Commenting on the Maharashtra Government’s reported amendments concerning the administration of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Mann accused the BJP of politicising religious matters.
He asserted that politics and religion should remain separate and said governments should refrain from interfering in religious affairs.
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