Amritsar, Punjab: Punjab Chief Minister on Sunday stated that he will personally appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib to face the directive issued to him, asserting that he will do so not as a chief minister but as a humble Sikh.
CM Mann’s post on Social Media
In a post shared on his official X handle, the Chief Minister said that the hukamnama (edict) from Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme for him and always will be. He added that he will present himself barefoot before the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, accepting its authority with complete humility.
CM Mann seeks Apology
The Chief Minister also sought an apology for January 15, the day when the President of India is scheduled to visit Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar to attend a conference. He stated that despite the importance of the President’s visit, for him the highest priority remains Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the directive issued from its sacred throne.
“For me, Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme. The order that comes from there is above all else, was so in the past and will always remain so,” he wrote, emphasizing his commitment to Sikh religious authority.
The statement has drawn significant attention in political and religious circles, as it underscores the Chief Minister’s decision to submit himself to the Akal Takht’s authority irrespective of his constitutional position.
Further details on the date and manner of his appearance before Sri Akal Takht Sahib are awaited.
Akal Takht Summons CM Mann
Notably, the development comes after the highest Sikh authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, has issued a formal summons to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, directing him to appear in person on January 15, 2026, to provide clarifications.
Reason for the Summons
The announcement was made during a press conference by Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, who stated that the summons comes in response to repeated statements by the Chief Minister that allegedly insulted Sikh sentiments.
Controversial Remarks Under Scrutiny
These include controversial remarks against the principles of Daswandh and the Guru Ki Golak, as well as actions perceived as disrespectful toward images of Sikh Gurus and the 20th-century martyr Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale.
Jathedar Criticizes CM Mann
The Jathedar emphasized that such statements, coming from a constitutional office-holder, reflect what he termed the Chief Minister’s “political arrogance.”
Community Watches Closely
All eyes are now on January 15, as the Sikh community awaits whether CM Bhagwant Mann will comply with the summons. According to Sikh tradition, non-compliance with orders from the Akal Takht can lead to strict religious consequences.