Punjab: CM Bhagwant Mann appears before Akal Takht after controversial remarks on Sikh code of conduct
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Thursday appeared before the Akal Takht. He was summoned by the Takht for his alleged remarks questioning the Sikh Code. He appeared before Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. Talking to media persons after his appearance , Mann said that he had clarified his remarks and said that he also told the Takht that he was in no way challenging their authority.
New Delhi: Punjab Chief Minister Bagwant Mann on Thursday appeared before the Akal Takht at the Golden Temple complex. He was summoned after making some controversial remarks against the Sikh Code of Conduct. He appeared before Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj. There was also an objectionable video connected to Mann, which led to summons being issued against the AAP leader.
Mann, third Punjab CM to be summoned by Akal Takht
Mann appeared before the Akal Takht barefoot and sat with his hands folded. He entered the premises through the heritage path and paid obeisance at the Golden Temple, before appearing before the Takht officials.
The Punjab Police meanwhile had tightened security arrangements around the Gurdwara premises, ahead of the CM's visit. Police personnel in plain clothes are keeping vigil at the premises. Mann is the third Punjab CM to be summoned by the Akal Takht. Earlier, Parkash Singh Badal was summoned in 1979 following the Sikh-Nirankari clash, while Surjit Singh Barnala was declared tankhaiya or guilty of violating the Sikh religious code in 1986 over the Indian Army action at the Golden Temple.
Sources quoted by the Indian Express said that apart from the CM's remarks and the video, the discussion could also touch upon the topic of the missing saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib from Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. An FIR has been filed in the matter and altogether 16 individuals are named in the complaint.
Devotees at the Golden Temple expressed satisfaction at the actions of the Takht and said that the summoning of the CM showed that they were not biased against anyone, be it the common man or a powerful politician.
Mann's statement after meeting Akal Takht members
Mann remained inside the office of the Takht for around 45 minutes. After coming out, he interacted with the media. He said that he had given clarifications regarding his statements to the Jathedar.
Mann was quoted as saying, "I told the Takht that rumours are being spread on social media, that I am challenging the Akal Takht. I bowed before the takht and told them that I am in no way challenging their authority."
He described the takht as a "Sikh mini-Parliament" and said that no one, including him, could dare to do any such thing with the supreme institutions.
The Jathedar, reportedly told Mann that they had heard his side of the story and whatever decision is made will be communicated to him. Mann said that whatever decision the Jathedar will take, will be final in this matter.
The Punjab CM expressed satisfaction at being able to put down in writing his defence in the entire matter, before the Jathedar.