Sikh clergy declares Punjab CM Mann anti-Khalsa over video

Gargajj claimed that while the position of chief minister is respectable, Bhagwant Mann lied to the Akal Takht regarding the video. The matter stems from earlier accusations against Mann concerning comments on 'Guru ki Golak' and alleged objectionable activities involving images of Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Mann had previously appeared before the secretariat in January, submitting that the circulating videos were fake and offering them for forensic examination. The clergy also summoned all Sikh MLAs, regardless of party affiliation, and the Punjab Cabinet to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 concerning the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, an anti-sacrilege law.

The Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) had previously raised objections to this law, stating it was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth and contained provisions against the Guru Granth Sahib and the sentiments of the 'Sangat'. The Punjab Assembly had unanimously passed the bill on April 13, including a provision for life imprisonment for acts of sacrilege.

AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Singh Pannu stated that the lab reports, as claimed by the Akal Takht Jathedar, did not clearly identify the person in the video. He also suggested that Gargajj had become political and asserted that the Akal Takht belongs to the entire Sikh community, not specific political figures.