Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Sunday that all Sikh MLAs and ministers belonging to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29. The delegation intends to present the government’s position on the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the announcement was made during a press conference held in Amritsar, where Mann was accompanied by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. Following a closed-door meeting with Sikh legislators and ministers, Mann stated that the party holds the Akal Takht in high regard and will submit a written response concerning the legislation. He also indicated that non-Sikh MLAs would submit their written statements to the Akal Takht.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the government would take into consideration any directives issued by the Akal Takht or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). When questioned about a controversial video linked to him, Mann said he would provide his written explanation along with the masked video, reiterating his earlier denial of being the individual depicted.
Mann emphasized his consistent respect for the Akal Takht, recalling his compliance with summons and even attendance during a presidential visit to Punjab. He stated that he could never contemplate confronting the Akal Takht. Addressing the Akal Takht’s previous pronouncements labelling him as “Guru Dokhi” and “Panth Dokhi,” and the subsequent calls for his social boycott, Mann said he would abide by any decision made by the Sikh sangat. He claimed that despite such calls, he continued to receive support and honours from devotees during his visits to gurdwaras.
When asked about potential pressure influencing the Akal Takht’s decision, Mann alleged that the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal were collaborating to politicize religious matters and target him. He further questioned the differential treatment regarding the public display of posters and hoardings, asking if a similar campaign had been initiated against Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal during his own religious punishment by the Akal Takht.
In related developments, Arvind Kejriwal also touched upon the Ayodhya case, asserting that only minor individuals had been apprehended while the primary perpetrators remained at large. He claimed that those arrested were placed in judicial custody without adequate interrogation.
Kejriwal also announced a new religious tourism initiative, revealing that the Punjab Government had conceptually agreed to construct a large temple dedicated to Mata Sita and Luv-Kush. This temple is planned to be situated near the Valmiki Temple at Ram Tirath in Amritsar, with detailed planning expected to be finalised soon.
The Chenab Times News Desk