Amritsar, Punjab – The officiating Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, has summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to appear before the Akal Takht secretariat on January 15 regarding alleged “anti-Sikh remarks” and a recently surfaced video that officials say deeply hurt Sikh sentiments.
Bhagwant Mann Summoned by Akal Takht
Mann responded to the summons stating he would appear as a “humble and devout Sikh instead of a chief minister,” adding that any command from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is accepted with full reverence and will be obeyed. He affirmed he would walk barefoot before the Akal Takht.
Despite a scheduled visit by the President to Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar on January 15, Mann stated he would still comply with the summons, emphasizing that Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is “above everything” to him and his family.
Jathedar Gargajj stated that Mann, despite holding a high constitutional office, repeatedly made statements that challenged “Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of religious conduct),” the supremacy of Akal Takht, and the sanctity of Guru Ki Golak. Gargajj alleged these comments reflect “an arrogance of power and an anti-Sikh mindset.”
The Jathedar clarified that Mann was not summoned to appear at the facade (Fasil) of Akal Takht because he is considered a “patit (apostate)” and, according to Sikh tradition, cannot be summoned to appear at Fasil. He was therefore summoned to personally appear at the secretariat of Akal Takht at 10 a.m. on January 15 to submit his explanation.
A controversial video that recently surfaced will undergo forensic examination, and if found authentic, “strict Panthic action” will follow, according to Jathedar Gargajj.
The summons drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Punjab spokesperson Sarchand Singh calling it a “well-orchestrated exercise” intended to shield Shiromani Akali Dal leaders and those facing arrest over 328 missing sacred saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Singh claimed invoking “religious defiance” was a tactic to exert pressure on the Chief Minister and obstruct the SIT investigation. He also stated there is no Panthic tradition of summoning a ‘patit’ Sikh even at the Akal Takht secretariat.
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