A five-member Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) panel on Monday held a meeting with representatives of Sikh bodies, party leaders, and workers in Fatehgarh Sahib to discuss the Akal Takht directive issued over a controversial video allegedly linked to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The video purportedly showed disrespect to photographs of Sikh Gurus, sparking outrage among the Sikh community.
The committee, led by senior SAD leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar, defended the Akal Takht decision, asserting that it was based on facts and a transparent verification process. Bhundar emphasized that the party had no role in the inquiry process, rejecting allegations that SAD influenced the proceedings.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after a person, described as a former friend of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, publicly claimed responsibility for releasing the video. This made the issue one that required verification and clarification, according to Bhundar. The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs, issued a directive after examining the video.
Bhundar stated that before reaching any conclusion, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht had asked the Chief Minister to suggest the names of two forensic laboratories for examination of the disputed video. Reminders were subsequently sent to him. The video was examined by two prominent laboratories before the Akal Takht announced its decision.
SAD Committee's Stance
The SAD panel, comprising Daljit Singh Cheema, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Gulzar Singh Ranike, and SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla, along with Bhundar, was entrusted with the responsibility of taking the Akal Takht’s message to the grassroots. They aimed to create awareness among party workers and the Sikh community about the issue.
Bhundar accused the Chief Minister of trying to divert public attention by politicizing the matter. He stated, "For Sikhs, this is an extremely serious issue connected to religious sentiments." He added that every Sikh should honor and respect the directive issued by the Akal Takht Sahib.
Call for Unity
The committee members urged Akali workers to remain united and convey the party’s message to the people. They stressed the importance of respecting the Akal Takht's directive and maintaining religious harmony. The meeting in Fatehgarh Sahib was part of efforts to ensure that the Sikh community understands the gravity of the issue and supports the decision of the highest temporal authority.
The SAD panel's defense of the Akal Takht directive comes amid political tensions in Punjab, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition SAD exchanging barbs over the matter. The controversy has highlighted the sensitive nature of religious sentiments in the state.
