Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that Sikh ministers, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators and the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha will appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib today, describing the visit as a mark of respect for the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community.
Addressing the media after a meeting with party leaders, Mann said those summoned by the Akal Takht would attend the proceedings and place the government’s viewpoint on the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act. He added that members instructed to furnish written explanations would also comply with the directions issued by the Sikh religious authority.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Sri Akal Takht Sahib occupies the highest position in Sikh tradition and said its authority has always been respected by him and his family. He noted that party representatives would appear before the Takht as members of the Sikh community and present their explanations with humility.
Referring to his earlier appearance before the Akal Takht, Mann said he had previously chosen to attend its proceedings despite having official commitments elsewhere, underscoring his commitment to the institution’s dignity.
On the controversy surrounding a viral video linked to him, the Chief Minister maintained that the footage had been manipulated. He said he would submit a written clarification along with material that, according to him, demonstrates that a masked individual was used to create a misleading video.
Mann also said he was prepared to accept the verdict or guidance issued by the Akal Takht following the proceedings. At the same time, he questioned what he described as selective criticism in similar matters involving leaders of other political parties.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who was present alongside Mann, also commented on the alleged Ram Temple donation case, claiming that the investigation had not reached those allegedly responsible at higher levels. He alleged that only lower-level individuals had been made accountable while the principal figures remained outside the scope of the investigation.
The proceedings at Sri Akal Takht Sahib are expected to draw considerable attention, with political observers closely watching the outcome and its possible impact on Punjab’s political landscape.
