The standoff between the Akal Takht and the Punjab government intensified on Sunday after Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Bhagwant Mann-led government, alleging that an organised online campaign was being conducted to defame Sikh religious institutions.
Addressing a Panthic congregation organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Gargaj alleged that social media operations based in Mohali and Chandigarh were circulating objectionable content targeting Sri Akal Takht Sahib and other Sikh religious institutions.
The Jathedar further claimed that individuals linked to these centres, including some from Delhi, were involved in spreading content intended to undermine Sikh religious bodies. However, he did not publicly provide any evidence in support of these allegations.
Issuing a warning to the Punjab government, Gargaj said the matter had been repeatedly brought to the attention of the authorities but no action had been taken.
Referring to the alleged online trolling, he claimed that two such centres were operating in Mohali and Chandigarh and gave the state government 10 days to shut them down. He also warned that if objectionable comments against the Akal Takht continued, Nihang Singhs would be sent to deal with the matter, referring to Baba Major Singh, the head of a Nihang group.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the Akal Takht and the Punjab government over recent developments involving Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and resolutions passed by the Sikh temporal authority.
Akal Takht Reaffirms Its Supreme Authority
During Sunday's gathering, Sikh religious and Panthic organisations adopted a Gurmata reaffirming the Akal Takht's supreme authority in matters concerning the Sikh Panth. The congregation also resolved to organise similar meetings across Punjab to promote greater awareness and unity on issues affecting the Sikh community.
Responding to the allegations, Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Baltej Pannu dismissed the claims, stating that the party does not operate any IT cell or social media centres of the kind alleged by the Jathedar.
The exchange has further intensified the ongoing friction between Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party government and the Akal Takht. With the 10-day deadline now in place and the Jathedar warning of direct action if the alleged online campaign is not stopped, the dispute is expected to remain a key issue in Punjab's political and religious landscape in the days ahead.
