Amritsar, January 15, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and submitted his explanation in connection with the controversy surrounding alleged videos and issues related to golaks (donation boxes). The appearance lasted around 35 minutes and took place at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar.
After the proceedings concluded, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj announced that he would address the media later in the afternoon to share details of the meeting and the Chief Minister’s submissions.
Speaking to reporters after his appearance, CM Mann stressed that he never questioned or challenged the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He described the Takht as the highest religious and temporal body of the Sikh community and said he appeared before it with humility and faith.
“I came here as an ordinary Sikh. There was never any intention to challenge Sri Akal Takht Sahib. For Sikhs, even the sight of the Guru Sahib’s symbol makes us bow our heads,” the Chief Minister said.
Mann added that he felt reassured after being told by the Jathedar that his viewpoint had been properly conveyed and placed on record. He maintained that his actions were being misinterpreted and reiterated his respect for Sikh traditions and institutions.
The hearing formally concluded around 1:10 pm. Along with Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, Jathedar Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula was also present during the interaction.
During the meeting, the Sikh clergy presented the Chief Minister with a copy of the Sikh Rehat Maryada and an issue of the Gurdwara Gazette, a publication of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), underscoring the importance of adhering to established Sikh religious guidelines.
The Chief Minister had been summoned by Sri Akal Takht Sahib following reports linked to donation boxes and an alleged video that sparked debate within Sikh circles. The matter is expected to be further examined by the Sikh clergy, with any future course of action to be announced after due deliberation.
