Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday alleged that a deliberately fabricated video, created using artificial intelligence, was circulated by his political rivals to malign his reputation and spark unnecessary controversy within the Sikh community. He made these assertions while submitting his clarification before the Akal Takht secretariat in response to a summons issued over the viral content.
Mann appeared before the Akal Takht following the spread of videos on social media that allegedly showed him making objectionable remarks about Sikh traditions and religious tenets. Prior to presenting his explanation, the Chief Minister paid obeisance at Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, underscoring his respect for Sikh institutions and traditions.
Addressing the media, Mann said the video at the centre of the controversy was entirely fake and generated using AI tools with the clear intention of misleading people and damaging his image. He claimed that the content was part of a planned attempt to provoke outrage and create confusion among Sikhs by attributing statements to him that he never made.
Mann further stated that he had categorically denied the authenticity of the video in his submission to the Akal Takht authorities and had expressed his willingness to have the footage examined by any forensic laboratory, anywhere in the world, to establish the truth. He said such scientific verification would conclusively prove that the video was manipulated.
He also rejected claims circulating on social media that he had challenged or questioned the authority of the Akal Takht. Mann said such allegations were completely baseless and were being deliberately amplified to portray him as disrespectful towards Sikh religious leadership, something he strongly refuted.
Emphasising his personal faith, Mann said he appeared before the Akal Takht not in his official capacity as Punjab’s Chief Minister, but as a humble Sikh who believes in the authority of the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community. He reiterated that he would accept and comply with any directions or decisions issued by the Akal Takht.
In a separate statement, Mann said he had prayed at the Golden Temple for peace, harmony and brotherhood in Punjab before presenting his clarification, in accordance with the directive of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.
The Akal Takht authorities said Mann’s explanation would be examined thoroughly and that appropriate directions would be issued after due consideration. Mann was summoned by the Akal Takht on January 5 following the circulation of the controversial videos, which allegedly contained remarks attributed to him on Sikh religious practices and beliefs.
