The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, released a video of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's appearance before it on Thursday, June 20, 2026. This comes amid an ongoing controversy over an alleged 'objectionable' video involving the chief minister.
Background of the Controversy
The Akal Takht had issued an edict against Mann on June 15 in Amritsar, following complaints about the video. The edict summoned the chief minister to appear before the clergy to explain his position. The video, which surfaced earlier this month, purportedly shows Mann in a compromising situation, though its authenticity has not been confirmed.
Release of the Video
On Thursday, the Akal Takht released a short clip showing Mann arriving at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar and meeting with the five high priests. In the video, Mann is seen folding his hands and bowing before the Sikh clergy. He is then shown seated in a room, engaged in discussions with the priests. The Akal Takht stated that the video was released to maintain transparency and to counter misinformation circulating on social media.
Political Reactions
The release of the video has sparked mixed reactions from political parties. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) defended Mann, stating that he has always respected Sikh institutions and that the matter was being resolved amicably. Opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress, demanded a full inquiry into the video's origins and called for Mann's resignation if the video is found to be genuine.
Mann's Statement
After his appearance, Mann addressed the media briefly, saying that he had full faith in the Akal Takht and its decisions. He denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the video was doctored to defame him. He also thanked the Sikh clergy for giving him an opportunity to present his side of the story.
Next Steps
The Akal Takht is expected to announce its final decision in the coming days after reviewing the evidence presented by both sides. The Sikh clergy has urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. The case has drawn significant attention across Punjab and among the Sikh diaspora worldwide.
