CM Bhagwant Mann Appeals for Live Telecast of His Appearance Before Akal Takht on January 15

January 8, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appealed to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, that when he appears at the Akal Takht on January 15th, it should be telecast live on all channels. Mann wrote on social media, “I am receiving messages from all over the world that when you take the accounts of the Golak on behalf of the Sangat on January 15th, it should be telecast live.”

Understanding the sentiments of the Sangat worldwide, I request the Jathedar to broadcast my explanation live so that the Sangat can stay connected with every moment and the financial accounts. See you on January 15th, with proof.

ਪੂਰੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਚੋਂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਸੁਨੇਹੇ ਆ ਰਹੇ ਨੇ ਕਿ 15 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਨੂੰ ਜਦੋਂ ਸੰਗਤ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਗੋਲਕ ਦਾ ਹਿਸਾਬ- ਕਿਤਾਬ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਜਾਵਾਂਗੇ..ਸਾਰੇ ਚੈਨਲਾਂ ਤੇ live telecast ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦੈ..ਮੈਂ ਵੀ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਭਰ ਦੀ ਸੰਗਤ ਦੀ ਭਾਵਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਝਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਜਥੇਦਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੂੰ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕਰਦਾ ਹਾਂ ਕਿ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਪੱਸ਼ਟੀਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਸਿੱਧਾ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਰਣ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ ਤਾਂ ਕਿ…

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) January 8, 2026

Responding to Mann’s statement, SGPC member Gurcharan Singh Grewal said that the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib must have sensed something. Public objections arose, so the Chief Minister was called. This matter should not be politicised. The reason is known to the world; the documents that will go to Akal Takht will be historical. If you are going to Akal Takht, don’t impose any conditions.

Why is CM Mann being summoned to the Akal Takht?

This controversy began after Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi sang a Shabad. The Akal Takht Jathedar objected to Jassi’s Shabad singing. He stated that Jassi was not a full-fledged Sikh and therefore could not sing. CM Mann responded, “If that’s the case, then ban fallen Sikhs from bowing their heads and putting money in the holy cave.”

Akal Takht Jathedar had expressed displeasure over the video and comments.

After the statements of CM Bhagwant Mann, Akal Takht Jathedar expressed displeasure. He said that the comment about Guru’s Golak related to the principle of Dasvandh of Gurus is objectionable. Jathedar also expressed displeasure over the lack of action in the cases of sacrilege and bomb blasts of Bargari and Maur. Apart from this, Jathedar also objected to a video in which CM Mann is doing objectionable acts with the Gurus and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Regarding this, Mann has been asked to appear in the secretariat of Akal Takht on 15th January.

CM Mann had said – I will appear before the court barefoot.

After being summoned by the Jathedar, CM Bhagwant Mann said that he will appear before the Akal Takht like a humble Sikh. During this, the CM also informed about not being able to attend the program of President Draupadi Murmu on the same day. CM Mann had said – The order has come from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, I will appear before the court barefoot like a humble Sikh, not a head-down servant Chief Minister. On January 15, the President is coming to participate in a conference at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, I apologize for that day.