I respect every order of Akal Takhat, will present as a humble Sikh: Bhagwant Mann
Amritsar, January 5, 2026 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – A political crisis with profound religious implications has erupted in Punjab as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann faces an extraordinary directive from the highest temporal seat of Sikhism. He has been formally summoned to appear before the secretariat of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs. The directive, issued for January 15, cites a pattern of allegedly derogatory remarks against Sikh tenets and a deeply offensive viral video, actions described by the Takht’s Jathedars as a deliberate assault on core religious sentiments and institutions.
The summons issued by Bagicha Singh, incharge, secretariat of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, on behalf of acting Jathedar Giani Kuldep Singh Gargaj, outlines a series of grave concerns. In the summoning letter the Chief Minister Mann has been accused of repeatedly making statements perceived as challenging the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct), the supreme authority of the Akal Takht itself and the sacred principle of ‘Guru Ki Golak’, the tradition of devotional offering as ‘Daswandh’. These allegations have culminated in the circulation of a video, now slated for forensic analysis, which purportedly shows the Chief Minister engaging in inappropriate activity involving revered imagery of Sikh Gurus and the 20th-century religious figure, Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale.
“The Chief Minister holds a high constitutional office but his statements and conduct reflect the arrogance of power and deliberate display of an anti-Sikh mindset.” Jathedar Gargaj stated during a media briefing. He underscored that the Akal Takht would not tolerate any infringement upon the Sikh code or an insult to collective religious sensitivities. In a significant procedural note, the letter clarified that as the Chief Minister is considered ‘Patit’, a term in Sikh tradition for one who has abandoned the prescribed code, he would not be presented before the sanctified facade of the Akal Takht. Instead, he is to present his explanation at the Takhat Sahib secretariat.
Jathedar Gargaj affirmed that should the controversial video be authenticated, strict action would be initiated against Chief Minister Mann in accordance with Panthic (collective Sikh community) traditions, setting the stage for a critical juncture in Punjab’s socio-political landscape. This confrontation places the sitting head of a major Indian state in a rare and precarious position, compelled to reconcile his constitutional role with the authority of a centuries-old spiritual institution.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has written on his “X” handle that “I deeply respect every order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib and ‘Das’ (He) will not present as the Chief Minister but will be present at Takht Sahib barefoot as a humble Sikh.”
Bhagwant Mann has also added that “Das also apologizes for that day on January 15, when the Honorable President of the country is coming to participate in a conference at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar Sahib. The order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib and that holy Takht Sahib is, was and will always be the respected.”
