Chandigarh: Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Wednesday criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for describing the recent decisions of the Akal Takht against him as a "political conspiracy." Dhillon emphasized the Akal Takht's status and authority, stating it is "higher than any CM's chair." He questioned, "If Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh could bow his head before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, why cannot Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann do the same?"
Dhillon Praises Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Dhillon described Ranjit Singh as a "great ruler before whom even the Afghans and Mughals trembled." He noted that when summoned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Maharaja appeared not as an emperor but as a humble servant of the Guru's house. Dhillon recalled that Akali Phula Singh had declared Maharaja Ranjit Singh a tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct and liable for religious punishment). "The Maharaja accepted the punishment without protest and bowed his head in humility. Witnessing his extraordinary humility, the Sangat (congregation) forgave him. That was the true identity of Sher-e-Punjab," Dhillon said.
CM's Reaction Criticized
Instead of showing humility, the CM described the decision as a "political conspiracy," Dhillon remarked. He warned, "History bears witness that those who have tried to challenge Sri Akal Takht Sahib have never benefited politically or socially. Bhagwant Mann should learn from history."
BJP Functionary Seeks CBI Probe
In a related development, BJP functionary Jagmohan Singh Raju submitted a complaint to the Punjab governor, demanding the registration of an FIR and a CBI probe into the video clip that led to the Akal Takht's declarations against CM Mann. Raju stated, "It is widely reported in the media that the respected jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib has publicly stated that forensic examinations commissioned by the Akal Takht have found a highly blasphemous video featuring Bhagwant Mann, chief minister of Punjab, to be authentic. This has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community, in particular me, and has endangered religious harmony."
