CM Bhagwant Mann appeared barefoot in Akal Takht, said- ‘Every decision of Sikh religious leaders is accepted’

Lord Man: Today was a very important day in the political and religious circles of Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appeared barefoot at the secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar on Thursday. He submitted his clarification to Akal Takht’s acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj regarding the violation of Sikh code of conduct and the objectionable video viral on social media. After this high level meeting which lasted for about an hour, the Chief Minister made it clear that he was completely subject to the decision of the Sikh religious leaders.

Talking to the media, Chief Minister Mann said that he has given his clarification and now the Jathedar will study it. He stressed, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme spiritual center for every Sikh and I will respect and abide by every decision pronounced by the Jathedar.” Mann described the sanctity of this institution as paramount.

Chief Minister accepted the mistake, gave assurance for the future

After the meeting, Jathedar Giani Gadgaj told reporters that the Chief Minister has accepted that he should not have made some controversial comments on the religious matters of the Sikhs. He has also assured the Akal Takht that he will refrain from making any such statements in future. The Jathedar said that the interpretation of Mann will be considered in detail in the next meeting of the five Sikh high priests and only then any final instructions will be issued.

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A case of arrogance of power and insulting video

The case pertains to a video that went viral on social media, in which it was claimed that the Chief Minister’s actions were disrespectful towards Sikh Gurus and the pictures of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The Jathedar had earlier said that the Chief Minister’s statements reflected the arrogance of power. However, he also clarified that since the Chief Minister is an ‘apostate’ Since they do not fall within the category of Sikhs, they can be given atonement in the form of instructions to the Sikh Sangat instead of traditional punishment.

Third Chief Minister to be summoned to Akal Takht

Bhagwant Mann has become the third Chief Minister in the history of Punjab to be summoned by the Akal Takht. Earlier, in 1979, Prakash Singh Badal was summoned in the Sikh-Nirankari conflict case and in 1986, Surjit Singh Barnala was summoned for ordering police action in the Golden Temple. At that time Barnala was given ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct), after which he repented in 1988. Mann had already said that he would present himself as a true Sikh and would dedicate his entire day to this organization.