Amritsar, January 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday appeared before the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, where he presented his clarification on the issues for which he had been summoned by the Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj.
During the proceedings, the Chief Minister handed over a bag containing complaints and documents related to the functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, claiming that the material comprised nearly 25,000 to 30,000 pages. The Jathedar, in turn, formally presented Mann with a copy of the Gurdwara Gazette, a monthly publication linked to Sikh Rehat Maryada and official communications of the SGPC.
Notably, Mann cancelled all official engagements for the day and arrived to appear before the Akal Takht as scheduled. Later addressing the media outside the Golden Temple, the Chief Minister said he was given adequate time to explain his position.
“There is nothing like Akal Takht versus me or the government. The Akal Takht is the supreme institution of Sikhs, before which I bow with complete reverence,” Mann said.
He added that the complaints and documents were submitted to him by various individuals and organisations, and the Jathedar assured him that each page would be examined and appropriate action taken.
Viral Video ‘Fake’, Forensic Verification Sought
Responding to queries regarding an alleged objectionable viral video attributed to him, Mann maintained that the video was fake. He said he had requested the Jathedar to get the clip verified through any forensic laboratory. “Since it is a fake video, I have nothing further to say,” he remarked.
Mann also informed that the Jathedar conveyed to him that his clarifications would be considered and deliberated upon during an upcoming meeting of the five Sikh head priests.
No Request Made to Change Appearance Timing
The Chief Minister clarified that he never sought any change in the timing of his appearance before the Akal Takht and was ready to present himself as per the original schedule on January 15.
“I had even informed the office of the President of India about my inability to attend her programme at Guru Nanak Dev University that day, as January 15 was fully reserved for my appearance before Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” Mann said.
His remarks followed a communication from the Akal Takht Secretariat revising the timing of his appearance from 10 am to 4:30 pm. In a post on social media platform X, Mann stated that he had no engagements on January 15 and that no request for a change of timing had been made by him or his office.
Summons Issued Over Alleged Remarks
Mann had been summoned by the Akal Takht last week over allegations of making remarks deemed objectionable to Sikh sentiments, including comments related to ‘Guru Ki Golak’ and the Sikh principle of ‘Dasvandh’, as well as alleged inappropriate references involving images of Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
The Chief Minister reiterated that he appeared before the Akal Takht not as a Chief Minister, but as a humble and devout Sikh.
‘Akal Takht Supreme for Me and My Family’
Reaffirming his faith in the authority of the Akal Takht, Mann said, “Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed.”
“Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is above everything for me. Its command is, was, and will always remain supreme for me and my family,” he added.
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