Amritsar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday appeared before the Sikh community’s highest temporal seat, Akal Takht Sahib, in Amritsar, where he spent around 40 minutes presenting his explanation on various issues.
During the appearance, Mann was seen sitting on the floor with folded hands before the Jathedar. Speaking to reporters after coming out of the Akal Takht, the chief minister said he had clarified that a false narrative was being created on social media suggesting that he was challenging the Akal Takht.
“I have bowed before the Akal Takht. I made it clear that there is no truth in these claims. I neither have the courage nor the stature to challenge the Akal Takht,” Mann said.
He added that he has conveyed his position and sentiments to the Jathedar and will be informed about any directions or decisions taken in the coming days. Mann said he felt a sense of peace and satisfaction after placing his explanation before the Sikh clergy.
Addressing the controversy over an allegedly objectionable video circulating on social media, the chief minister said he informed the Jathedar that the video was fake and could be examined at any laboratory of their choice to establish the truth.
Later, Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj addressed a press conference, stating that the chief minister appeared before the Akal Takht and submitted his clarification on the viral video, the ‘golak’ issue and other Sikh-related matters. He said the explanation has been taken on record and will be discussed in an upcoming meeting of the five Sikh high priests.
The Jathedar said he asked Mann to suggest two laboratories where the viral video could be examined so that the facts could be verified. He added that the Akal Takht holds no personal animosity against anyone and functions strictly in accordance with Sikh principles and traditions.
According to Gargaj, Mann admitted that he should not have made certain remarks on some issues and assured that he would refrain from speaking on matters related to Sikh maryada and principles in the future, acknowledging his limited understanding of them. He described the interaction as having taken place in a positive and cordial atmosphere.
Mann arrived at the Akal Takht Secretariat ahead of the scheduled time, reaching at around 11.30 am instead of noon. Before that, he visited the Golden Temple barefoot, with his head bowed, and paid obeisance. He was seen carrying two black bags containing documents as evidence when he entered the secretariat.
The chief minister had been summoned by the Akal Takht Jathedar on January 5 over remarks related to a viral video, the golak issue and other Sikh concerns. As Mann is not an Amritdhari Sikh, he appeared before the Akal Takht at the secretariat instead of the Akal Takht premises and submitted his clarification on all the issues raised.
