Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accepted the summons issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and said he will appear “head bowed in reverence” as a humble Sikh, not as a chief minister. He added that he would attend barefoot and with humility, reflecting respect for the highest Sikh authority.
Speaking on the matter, CM Mann said the order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme and has always been, is now, and will remain binding. He sought pardon for January 15, when he is scheduled to attend a conference at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar due to the visit of the President.
CM Mann also addressed the controversy over singer Jasbir Jassi, saying that Jassi did not perform a shabad but only two songs. He questioned the issuance of such edicts, warning that these could hinder cultural and promotional events. Referring to a statement by a Nihang, Mann said, “If sehajdhari Sikhs cannot sing religious songs, then why are they asked to contribute to the golak? Will restrictions also prevent non Sikhs from paying obeisance? I do not understand the origin of such directives.”
He reiterated that in Punjab, artists usually start programmes with religious songs and stressed that respect for religious authority remains paramount.
