Amritsar, India: The battle of nerves between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab and the Sikh religious leadership has reached a boiling point. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has been summoned to appear before the Akal Takht on January 15, is now demanding that the entire interaction be telecast live on all television channels. This move marks a departure from established precedent, where religious hearings are typically conducted at the discretion of the Jathedar and often behind closed doors.
The Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, summoned the CM to explain remarks that allegedly “challenged the moral and supreme authority” of Sikh institutions. Specifically, Mann’s comments questioning the management of gurdwara offerings and a viral video involving religious imagery have been labeled “anti-Sikh.” The Takht has also ordered a forensic examination of the video to determine its authenticity.
In his latest stance, Mann insisted that he is going to “expose the SGPC” with documentary evidence. “I humbly request Jathedar Sahib to arrange a direct live broadcast so that the Sangat remains connected with every detail,” Mann stated. However, the SGPC has hit back, accusing the CM of “politicizing” a spiritual matter. SGPC General Secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal reminded the CM that anyone appearing before the Takht must do so as a humble seeker of forgiveness, not as a political leader dictating terms.
Adding to the complexity, the Akal Takht recently referred to the CM as a “patit,” a characterization Mann’s supporters have challenged since he was never a baptised Sikh. As the January 15 deadline approaches, the situation remains volatile, with the state government and religious bodies locked in a power struggle that blends faith, governance, and moral authority.
