A political controversy has erupted following a decision by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In a significant development concerning Punjab politics and the Sikh community, the Akal Takht has issued a significant ruling regarding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. On Monday, June 15th, the Akal Takht declared Mann ‘Dokhi’ and ‘anti-Khalsa Panth’, sparking heated exchanges in political circles. Following the Akal Takht’s decision, opposition parties Congress and BJP have demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Punjab Pradesh Congress President Raja Wedding has demanded the Chief Minister break his silence on these allegations and resign.
According to a report by news agency PTI, the Akal Takht has taken this decision in connection with an alleged objectionable video regarding which the Chief Minister has been accused of lying. The Akal Takht is considered the highest religious body of the Sikhs.
Akal Takht has summoned all Sikh MLAs from Punjab
The Akal Takht has summoned all Sikh MLAs from Punjab, regardless of their political affiliation, and the Punjab Cabinet to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29th. This summons has been issued in connection with the anti-sacrilege law enacted by the state government. Regarding the anti-sacrilege law, the Akal Takht Jathedar stated that all Sikh MLAs and the Punjab Cabinet must appear before the Akal Takht on June 29th regarding the “Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.” Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh issued this order from the Akal Takht platform after a meeting of the “five Singh Sahibans” in Amritsar.
Bhagwant Mann is also accused of making objectionable remarks about the “Gurudwara’s donation box” and insulting Sikh Gurus. Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj claimed that a video circulating on social media shows a man resembling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. It has been authenticated in the investigation of two forensic labs. He said that there has been no tampering with the video nor has it been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He said that in January, the Akal Takht Secretariat had written a letter to the Chief Minister regarding the investigation of the video. At that time, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself had said that he was ready for forensic investigation of the video. Giani Kuldeep Singh said that Bhagwant Mann lied before the Akal Takht regarding the video. He said that “five Sikh Sahibans” have unanimously declared the Chief Minister as ‘Guru Dokhi’ and ‘anti-Khalsa Panth’.