Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Appears Before Akal Takht to Clarify Remarks
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented himself before the Akal Takht on Thursday. The Akal Takht serves as the supreme temporal seat of the Sikh community. Mann arrived after receiving a summons over allegations of making derogatory remarks against religious institutions.
Mann's Arrival and Proceedings
Mann reached the Akal Takht complex ahead of his scheduled time. He arrived at around 11:30 am. The Chief Minister came barefoot as a mark of respect. He paid obeisance before proceeding to the Akal Takht Secretariat. Mann carried two black bags with him.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also arrived shortly after Mann. Authorities barred media access during the proceedings. Mann spent approximately forty-five minutes inside the Secretariat.
Clarification and Statements
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mann provided clarifications. He stated, "I have given clarification to the Jathedar on all my statements." Mann addressed concerns about social media narratives. He emphasized, "I have also made it clear that a narrative is being built on social media that I am challenging Akal Takht. I have bowed before the Akal Takht. I neither have the courage nor the stature for it."
Mann expressed feelings of peace and contentment. He mentioned that people's sentiments were presented to the Jathedar in written form along with his explanations. The Chief Minister awaits future directives from the meeting of the five Sikh Jathedars.
Response to Viral Video
Mann addressed a controversial video circulating online. He asserted the video is fake. Mann told the Jathedars, "I have told them it is fake; you can get it investigated by anyone you wish."
Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj has called a press conference at the Akal Takht Secretariat. He will address the matter publicly.
Security Arrangements
Ahead of the Chief Minister's appearance, authorities implemented tight security measures. They deployed a large contingent of police around the Akal Takht Sahib and Golden Temple complex. Many officers wore civilian attire throughout the premises.
Presentation of Religious Materials
The Akal Takht released a photo from the meeting. The image shows Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Jathedar Giani Tek Singh of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib presenting Mann with religious materials. They gave him a copy of the monthly Gurdwara Gazette and the Sikh Code of Conduct.
This presentation occurred during Mann's visit to clarify his position on Sikh traditions. The meeting aimed to address concerns within the community regarding his remarks.
