• Source:JND

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is appearing today before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs. He was summoned following his recent statements regarding Sikh Maryada (code of conduct), an offensive video, and remarks concerning the 'Golak' (shrine offerings) and other religious issues. The Chief Minister will present his side regarding these comments before the Jathedar.

This appearance is considered highly significant, not only from a religious standpoint but also from a political perspective. Strict security arrangements have been made in and around the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex. Teams of Punjab Police and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) volunteers have been deployed to manage crowds and handle any unforeseen situations. The administration remains on high alert regarding the Chief Minister's presence.

Constant Shifts In Schedule

The timing for the Chief Minister’s appearance has undergone several changes. Initially, he was called for 10:00 AM, which was later shifted to 4:30 PM. Subsequently, the time was set between 11:00 am and 11:30 am on Thursday, but it was finally rescheduled to 12:00 pm.

Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj has given his consent for the Chief Minister's appearance. As he is not an 'Amritdhari' (baptised) Sikh, the Chief Minister will not appear directly at the balcony (Faseel) of the Akal Takht. Instead, he will present his clarification before the Jathedar at the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat.

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Background Of The Controversy

The summons was issued by Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj for January 15, 2026, following remarks deemed offensive to Sikh Maryada. The controversy ignited on December 27, 2025, after the Jathedar raised objections to the 'Shabad Kirtan' performed by Jasbir Jassi, a Sehajdhari Sikh.

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During a press conference in Chandigarh on December 29, CM Mann remarked that if Sehajdharis are not allowed to sing Shabad, then they should also be stopped from offering donations or bowing before the Guru's Golak. These comments were viewed as hurting Sikh sentiments. The issue is further complicated by disputes over FIRs regarding missing 'Saroops' of Guru Granth Sahib and the Bhindranwale photo controversy. Following the summons issued on January 4-5, CM Mann is appearing today as a "humble Sikh" along with supporting evidence.


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