BJP leader Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday dared Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to resign, accusing him of being "intoxicated by power" and challenging the supreme religious authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The attack comes amid a row over an alleged viral video involving the chief minister.
BJP escalates attack on Mann over video row
Addressing the media, Jakhar said the video issue is not political but a matter of religious sentiments of the 'Nanak Naam Leva Sangat' (the Sikh congregation). "Intoxicated by power, the Chief Minister is challenging Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The issue of the Chief Minister's viral video is not political at all, but one connected with religious sentiments. It is a matter concerning the religious sentiments of the Nanak Naam Leva Sangat. The real issue is how an arrogant individual is challenging the supreme Sri Akal Takht Sahib," Jakhar said.
He questioned how a person accused of disrespecting the Guru Sahiban (Sikh Gurus) could continue to remain in power on the land of the Gurus. "Despite everything that has happened, if a person accused of disrespecting the Guru Sahiban continues to remain in power on the land of the Gurus, how will we be able to raise our voice against challenges to our faith arising around the world?" Jakhar asked.
Jakhar questions Sikh tolerance
"This is something Punjab needs to reflect upon. Can a Sikh tolerate this?" Jakhar went on to question, directly appealing to the Sikh community. He further dared Mann to seek a fresh mandate from the people, similar to what Arvind Kejriwal did in Delhi. "If Mann wants to leave the decision to the people, then, just as Arvind Kejriwal sought a mandate from the people in Delhi (and the people sent him home), he should also resign and go before the people and see for yourself," Jakhar said.
Drawing on Sikh teachings, Jakhar said, "Sikhs of the Guru follow the teaching, 'Sees Diya Par Sirar Na Diya' ('One may give one's head, but never surrender one's principles or honour'). This grave sin cannot be escaped through the power of office. For a Sikh, there is no one above the Guru. The Guru Sahib and the Sangat will deliver justice."
Warning to Mann: past challengers lost existence
Jakhar stated that it is deeply unfortunate that a person born on the soil of Punjab and familiar with its religion and history has become so intoxicated by power that he is challenging Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He added, "Whoever has confronted Sri Akal Takht Sahib in the past has eventually lost their very existence."
The BJP's sharp attack signals a political escalation in Punjab, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government under Mann facing renewed pressure over the alleged video controversy. The Akal Takht is the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, and any perceived disrespect can have significant political and religious repercussions in the state.
