The executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, five days after the Akal Takht issued an edict against him. The committee also announced a series of measures to mobilize Sikh opinion on the matter.
Meeting and Decisions
During a special meeting chaired by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, the committee decided to convene a meeting of the SGPC general house on June 27 at Teja Singh Samundri Hall. Additionally, constituency-level gatherings across Punjab will be organized to encourage the Sikh community to follow the directives issued by the Akal Takht.
Allegations Against Mann
Dhami told mediapersons that the actions depicted in a controversial video linked to Mann hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. He stated that during the proceedings conducted by the Akal Takht, the chief minister was given adequate opportunity to present his version and suggest forensic laboratories for an examination of the video. However, Dhami alleged that despite several opportunities, Mann neither fully cooperated with the process nor responded to communications from the Akal Takht secretariat.
Significance of the Edict
Referring to the directive issued by the Sikh clergy, Dhami said the decision was consistent with the long-standing traditions of the Akal Takht and held immense significance for the Sikh community. He argued that a person occupying the highest political office in Punjab, a state regarded as the homeland of Sikhs, must be mindful of Sikh religious sentiments and values.
"The executive committee is of the unanimous view that in light of the directive issued by the Akal Takht, Bhagwant Mann has no moral right to continue as chief minister," said Dhami.
Summoning of Sikh MLAs
Dhami informed that the Akal Takht had summoned Sikh members of the Punjab legislative assembly in connection with the matter and said every Sikh legislator should comply with the directive.
