Bhagwant Mann and Akal Takht dial down the heat, but why their truce is only surface deep
Both the Punjab CM and the acting Jathedhar of the Takht, the highest temporal seat in Sikhism, exercised restraint at their recent meeting. However, differences remain over the viral video that had fuelled the row and triggered the summons to Mann.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann was summoned to the Akal Takht Secretariat to explain his controversial remarks and a purported viral video that drew allegations of him being anti-Sikh. Defying expectations of a confrontation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann struck a markedly conciliatory tone during his recent appearance at the Akal Takht Secretariat, where he was summoned to explain his controversial remarks and a purported viral video that drew allegations of being anti-Sikh.
The build-up to the meeting last Thursday suggested a possible showdown between the CM and Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, who was recently appointed acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority. Mann had been summoned over multiple issues, including alleged derogatory remarks about Sikh practices, repeated objections to Guru ki Golak (the donation box placed in gurdwaras), alleged misinterpretation of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct), and a controversial video purportedly showing him making inappropriate gestures.
Mann arrived at the secretariat in a subdued manner, carrying two bags of documents that he claimed contained evidence of misuse of funds of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body managing Sikh shrines. He refrained from making the documents public and repeatedly underlined his religious devotion. “Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed. Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is above everything for me,” the CM said, stressing that he had appeared “not as the CM, but as a humble and devout Sikh”.
Both Mann and Gargajj exercised visible restraint, with the proceedings described by both sides as cordial and respectful, a sharp contrast to the charged political atmosphere that preceded the meeting.
In the days leading up to the appearance, Mann had fuelled anticipation by hinting at “explosive revelations” regarding the SGPC and had publicly demanded that the proceedings be broadcast live.
“I am receiving messages from all over the world that when we go with the account of the Golak, it should be live telecast on all channels,” Mann posted on X, calling for transparency “penny by penny”.
Gargajj later told reporters that the interaction took place in a “very good atmosphere”. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme seat of Sikhs. There is no animosity here against anyone. Whoever comes with humility is heard,” he said, avoiding any sharp remarks.
Sources said that during the meeting, Gargajj and other Sikh scholars explained aspects of the Sikh code of conduct to Mann, who, they felt, had made certain statements without adequate understanding. Mann’s personal assistant, Rajbir Singh, was also briefed on the issues.
While Mann is understood to have acknowledged that some of his statements were inappropriate, the matter is far from closed. The principal unresolved issue remains the authenticity of the viral video that triggered the summons.
A source close to the Akal Takht said that while no severe religious punishment (tankhah) is likely to be pronounced over the CM’s statements — and the episode is unlikely to cause significant political damage — the video has emerged as the central concern. “The Akal Takht believes, prima facie, that the video is not fake, but wants scientific confirmation,” the source said. “A forensic investigation has been ordered. The CM has been asked to suggest two forensic laboratories of his choice, while the Akal Takht will also select two labs independently. The reports will determine the future course of action.”
With Punjab set to go to polls in early next year, the forensic process could prolong the controversy.
Akal Takht’s past summons
Mann is not the first political leader to be summoned by the Akal Takht. Former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal appeared before it on October 4, 1979. After Operation Blue Star in 1984, several prominent leaders — including former President Giani Zail Singh, former Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala, and former Union Home Minister Buta Singh — were summoned and declared tankhaiya (religious offenders).
In 2014, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia was declared tankhaiya for altering a verse from the Guru Granth Sahib during a speech in Amritsar while campaigning for BJP leader Arun Jaitley. The controversy arguably hurt Jaitley more, who lost the Lok Sabha election to Congress leader Amarinder Singh.
Most recently, in 2024, SAD president and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was also summoned and declared tankhaiya by the Akal Takht.
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