Amritsar (Punjab)— Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been summoned to appear in person at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on January 15 in connection with what has been described as a serious Panthic issue that has been under deliberation for some time.
The summons has been issued over allegations of a deliberate display of an anti-Sikh mindset, including repeated and highly objectionable remarks said to challenge the Sikh Rehat Maryada, the supreme authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and the sanctity of “Guru Ki Golak” (Dasvandh), a core principle bestowed by the Sikh Gurus. These actions, the Takht authorities said, have deeply hurt Sikh religious sentiments.
The decision also follows the circulation of a controversial video allegedly showing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann engaging in inappropriate and offensive conduct involving images of the Sikh Gurus and prominent 20th-century Sikh leader and Qaumi Shaheed, Sant Giani Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale.
Addressing the media at the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on Monday, Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that although the Chief Minister holds a high constitutional position, his statements and conduct reflect what he termed as the arrogance of power. He clarified that since Bhagwant Mann is considered a patit under Sikh tradition and therefore cannot appear before the façade of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, he has been directed to present himself at the Secretariat and submit his explanation.
The Acting Jathedar asserted that Sri Akal Takht Sahib would not tolerate any challenge to the Sikh Rehat Maryada or any attempt to undermine Sikh beliefs. He said the disputed video would be sent for forensic examination and warned that if it is found to be authentic, strict action would be taken in accordance with Panthic traditions.
Raising wider concerns, Jathedar Gargajj questioned the Punjab government’s failure to deliver justice in the 2015 Bargari sacrilege case and the 2017 Maur bomb blast, in which seven people, including five children, were killed. He alleged that the Bargari sacrilege was carried out on the directions of Dera Sirsa chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, citing court statements by accused Pradeep Kaler, who reportedly named Ram Rahim and his close associate Honeypreet as the conspirators. He further claimed that the Maur blast case is also linked to the Dera.
The Acting Jathedar asked why the state government has not arrested Gurmeet Ram Rahim, Honeypreet and other accused, or brought them to Punjab to face trial. He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party government has exploited the Bargari sacrilege issue for political mileage while effectively shielding what he termed an anti-Sikh, self-styled godman.
He also questioned the lack of concrete action in the Maur blast case even after the AAP assumed power, despite party leaders earlier claiming that the attack was aimed at preventing them from forming the government.
Criticising the government’s approach towards Sikh youth, Jathedar Gargajj said that cases are swiftly registered for minor issues, such as posting photographs with air rifles, while Sikh youths are allegedly booked under stringent laws like the NSA and UAPA, reflecting what he described as a persistent anti-Sikh bias.
He further pointed out that the Punjab government did not challenge the transfer of Bargari sacrilege-related cases outside the state, nor did it appeal against the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order transferring the cases on the grounds of an unconducive atmosphere. Instead, he noted, senior Supreme Court advocate S. Harwinder Singh Phoolka has been pursuing the matter on behalf of the petitioners.
According to the Acting Jathedar, these developments indicate the government’s alleged inclination towards Dera Sirsa and its failure to ensure justice in sacrilege cases, while continuing to play politics with Sikh sentiments.
He also recalled that Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan had visited the Bargari morcha three years ago and assured justice within three months, a promise that remains unfulfilled. He said the issue is under the consideration of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and after examining all facts, Speaker Sandhwan may also be summoned to seek an explanation.
