In a significant religious and political development, the officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, has summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to appear before the Takht's secretariat. The summons, issued for January 15, cites alleged 'anti-Sikh remarks', 'objectionable conduct', and a controversial video that has reportedly hurt Sikh sentiments.
Chief Minister's Humble Response
Responding to the summons, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took to social media platform X to declare his intention to comply. He stated he would appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib not in his capacity as the Chief Minister, but as a "humble and devout Sikh." Mann emphasized his reverence for the Takht, stating, "Any command from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is accepted with full reverence and will be obeyed." He further announced he would walk barefoot to the Takht as a mark of respect.
Mann also clarified that despite a scheduled visit by the President of India to Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar on the same day, his priority remains the Akal Takht. "For me, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is above everything," he affirmed, adding that the command from the sacred seat of authority is supreme for him and his family.
The Allegations and the 'Patit' Status
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj outlined the reasons behind the unprecedented summons. He alleged that CM Mann, despite holding a high constitutional office, has repeatedly made statements challenging the 'Sikh Rehat Maryada' (code of conduct), the supremacy of the Akal Takht, and the sanctity of 'Guru Ki Golak' (temple offerings). The Jathedar characterized these comments as reflecting an "arrogance of power and an anti-Sikh mindset."
In a pointed remark, Gargaj clarified that Mann was summoned to the Takht's secretariat and not to its main façade (Fasil) because, according to the Takht's assessment, the CM is a 'patit' (apostate). Under Sikh tradition, a 'patit' cannot be summoned to the Fasil. Therefore, he has been called to personally submit his explanation at the secretariat at 10 am on January 15.
The Jathedar also mentioned a recently surfaced controversial video, stating it would be sent for forensic examination. He warned that if found authentic, strict 'Panthic' (community) action would follow.
Political Reactions and Broader Demands
The summons drew criticism from an unexpected quarter, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coming to Mann's defence. Punjab BJP spokesperson Sarchand Singh called the move a "well-orchestrated exercise" intended to shield senior leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and others linked to the investigation into the 328 missing sacred 'saroops' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He accused the Takht of using "religious defiance" to pressure the CM and obstruct the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
Expanding his critique, Jathedar Gargaj raised other issues, demanding answers from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He questioned why Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the jailed Dera Sacha Sauda chief, and his aide Honeypreet have not been brought to Punjab to face trial in the 2015 Bargari sacrilege case and the 2017 Maur bomb blast.
He also turned his attention to Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, recalling a promise of justice within three months made to protesters in the Bargari case three years ago. Gargaj stated the Akal Takht has taken note of the unfulfilled promise and, after gathering facts, may summon the Speaker for an explanation as well.
This summons sets the stage for a high-stakes interaction between Punjab's political leadership and its highest temporal Sikh authority, with significant implications for the state's socio-political landscape.
