Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday responded to the summons issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib by stating that he would comply with the directive with complete humility and respect. Emphasising his faith, Mann said he would appear before the Sikh body not in his official capacity as chief minister, but as a devoted Sikh who honours the authority of the highest temporal seat of Sikhism.
In his statement, Mann said he bowed his head in reverence to the order passed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and would present himself barefoot as a mark of obedience and submission. He reiterated that his respect for the institution was unwavering and deeply rooted in his personal beliefs.
The chief minister also sought forgiveness in connection with January 15, the same day on which President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to attend a conference at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. Mann indicated that he held the sanctity of the Akal Takht and its directives above all other considerations.
“For me, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji and the sacred directive issued from this revered Takht are supreme. This belief has guided me throughout my life and will continue to do so,” Mann said, underlining his commitment to Sikh traditions and institutions.
Earlier, Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, had summoned Bhagwant Mann to appear in person at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar on January 15 at 10 am. The summons followed allegations that the chief minister had displayed an “anti-Sikh mentality” and made “highly objectionable comments” related to recent Panthic matters.
In its communication, the Akal Takht stated that Mann’s remarks had hurt Sikh sentiments and appeared to challenge the supremacy of Sikh principles and the Sikh code of conduct. Specific references were made to comments allegedly linked to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the concept of Daswandh, and Guru ki Golak. The letter also cited videos that had recently surfaced, which allegedly showed the chief minister engaging in objectionable behaviour involving images associated with Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
The Akal Takht further pointed out that because Mann occupies a high constitutional office, his statements carried greater weight and reflected what it described as “the arrogance of the state.” In view of this, the Sikh body directed him to appear personally and offer a clarification and explanation for his actions and remarks.
