Punjab Chief Minister Clarifies Position Before Akal Takht
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed a sense of peace and satisfaction on Thursday. He made this statement after providing his clarification before the Akal Takht in Amritsar. Mann said he successfully conveyed the sentiments of the people to officiating jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj.
Summoned Appearance and Submission of Complaints
The Chief Minister arrived at the Akal Takht secretariat following a summons. Authorities asked him to explain alleged anti-Sikh remarks and objectionable conduct. Before his appearance, Mann paid obeisance at the Golden Temple around 11:30 am. His stay at the secretariat lasted approximately forty minutes.
During the meeting, Mann handed over two bags containing complaints from the public. These documents totaled around thirty thousand pages. The complaints targeted the alleged functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
Mann's Statements to Media
Bhagwant Mann addressed mediapersons outside the Akal Takht secretariat after his appearance. He emphasized the emotional weight of the submitted complaints.
"The twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand pages of complaints reflect the emotions of people," Mann stated. "They have flagged various anomalies in the functioning of the SGPC."
The Chief Minister said he requested Jathedar Gargaj to investigate these complaints thoroughly. He noted that the feelings of millions are attached to these issues.
"Institutions are always supreme, while individuals heading them can err," Mann added. "Such individuals deserve no leniency for their misdeeds."
Declaration as Punjab's Sewadar
Mann declared himself a sewadar of Punjab. He vowed to leave no stone unturned for the well-being of the state and its people.
"I perform ardas daily for the chardi kala of the state," he said. "My head bows before every religious place even at a single glance. It is impossible that any action of mine can be against the state or its people."
The Chief Minister asserted he lacks both the courage and the stature to challenge the Akal Takht. He claimed a false narrative was being spread on social media suggesting otherwise.
Jathedar's Response and Proceedings
Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj also spoke to mediapersons after the meeting. He confirmed that the Chief Minister's explanation on all matters was recorded. This included remarks linked to an objectionable viral video and issues concerning golak donation money.
The five Sikh high priests will review the explanation. They will take a final decision in a meeting scheduled for the coming days.
Jathedar Gargaj stated that Mann admitted to insufficient knowledge regarding Sikh maryada and traditions. The Chief Minister acknowledged he should not have spoken on certain issues. Consequently, officials handed a copy of the Sikh code of conduct to Mann.
Viral Video and Forensic Verification
Regarding the viral video, the jathedar said the Akal Takht would seek forensic verification. He asked Mann to suggest two laboratories for this task. Gargaj emphasized that the institution holds no personal animosity.
Mann reiterated that the video was fake. He pledged to abide by any decision made by the Akal Takht.
Clarification on SIT for Missing Saroops
In a separate clarification, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed the formation of a Special Investigation Team. He stated that setting up the SIT to probe the missing saroops case was not a political move.
"The SIT is constituted solely to trace the missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib," Mann explained. "Its mandate is strictly confined to tracing them so that they are not misused."
He also sought the intervention of the jathedar. Mann requested direction to the SGPC to provide unique codes assigned to each saroop. This would facilitate tracing of the missing ones.
The Chief Minister assured that the Punjab Police and state government would trace the saroops. They will inform the Akal Takht Sahib and SGPC about their location. Further action will proceed strictly as per rehat maryada.
"The police are already instructed not to enter the premises of religious places where the saroops are traced," Mann added.
He noted that the jathedar informed him about historical practices. Prior to 1998, the printing of Sri Guru Granth Sahib occurred at several places.
