Akal Takht has issued a summons to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, to appear on January 15th, following allegations of making objectionable comments regarding the Guru ki Golak (the donation box at a Gurdwara) and hurting the sentiments of the Sikh faith. Mann has assured compliance with the order with humility.
Punjab Politics: The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, has been summoned by the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Garagaj, to appear at the Secretariat on January 15th. Mann is accused of making objectionable remarks concerning the Guru ki Golak and engaging in inappropriate activities with images of Sikh Gurus and the deceased militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. This matter is being viewed as a challenging time for the AAP in Punjab.
What the Akal Takht Said
Giani Kuldeep Singh Garagaj stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann deliberately displayed an anti-Sikh mindset and violated the principle of 'Dasvandh'. Dasvandh requires donating 10 percent of one's income to the Guru and place of worship. According to the Akal Takht, Mann made objectionable comments regarding this and hurt the feelings of Sikhs. The Jathedar also mentioned that Mann is the second current Chief Minister to be summoned by the Akal Takht.
Bhagwant Mann's Response
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has assured to appear before the Akal Takht with full devotion and respect. He stated that he will comply with the order of the Takht barefoot, and that this is paramount for him and his family. Mann also clarified that he will follow the Takht’s order despite the President’s visit to Guru Nanak Dev University.
Political Turmoil
The summons has triggered political unrest. The BJP criticized the Akal Takht’s summons, alleging it was a conspiracy to harass the AAP. BJP Punjab spokesperson Sarachand Singh stated that pressuring the Chief Minister with accusations of religious disrespect and obstructing the SIT investigation is part of a plan by the Shiromani Akali Dal. He also stated that there is no sectarian tradition of summoning a ‘patit’ Sikh to the Secretariat by the Akal Takht.
