Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reached Amritsar on Thursday and has arrived at the secretariat of Akal Takht Sahib, where he is scheduled to appear on the Sikh code of conduct and an objectionable video.
According to information, the chief minister has been asked by the Akal Takht to present his clarification regarding certain statements related to Sikh affairs and a video controversy. Mann reached the Akal Takht premises earlier in the day.
Soon after his arrival, the acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, also reached the secretariat.
Earlier, an official from the Akal Takht secretariat had said that preparations were made as per the directions of the acting Jathedar. The secretariat usually opens at 9.30 am, and special arrangements, including the deployment of dedicated staff, were put in place for the meeting with the chief minister.
Sources said that Bhagwant Mann was expected to reach the Akal Takht secretariat around noon. However, there had been differing timelines earlier, as the acting Jathedar had stated that the chief minister should arrive at 4.30 pm.
Responding to the change in timing, Mann had earlier said that he had cancelled all his engagements for the day and dedicated January 15 entirely to presenting his clarification and submitting evidence related to efforts to trace missing Sikh holy scriptures.
The Akal Takht had reportedly informed that Mann’s appearance was rescheduled from 10 am to 4.30 pm. However, while addressing the Jathedar, the chief minister had stated, “I have no other engagements on January 15. I have even informed the President’s office. The entire day has been devoted to Sri Akal Takht Sahib as per your directions. No official letter or statement regarding any change in timing has been issued by me or my office.”
After the chief minister’s arrival at the secretariat, acting Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj also reached the venue, and further proceedings are awaited.
