Will appear not as CM, but as humble Sikh: Bhagwant Mann on Akal Takht's summons

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 5, 2026 20:08 IST

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday responded to the summons issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, saying he would appear before the Sikh body “not as a Chief Minister, but as a humble Sikh,” and expressed reverence for its authority.

In a statement, Mann said he bows his head in reverence to the directive issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and will present himself barefoot in obedience.

The Punjab CM also sought forgiveness in connection with January 15, the day on which President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to attend a conference at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

“For me, Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji and the sacred directive issued from this revered Takht stand above all else. This has always been my belief and will always remain so,” he said.

Earlier, the Kuldeep Singh Garhgajj, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, summoned Mann to appear in person at the Akal Takht Secretariat in Amritsar on January 15 at 10 am. The summons cited allegations of “anti-Sikh mentality” and “highly objectionable comments” allegedly made by the Chief Minister on recent Panthic issues.

In its letter, the Akal Takht said Mann had made remarks that hurt Sikh sentiments and questioned the supremacy of the Sikh code of conduct, including references to Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the principle of Daswandh or Guru ki Golak. The letter also referred to videos that have surfaced recently, allegedly showing the Chief Minister engaging in objectionable acts involving images of Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

The Akal Takht further noted that since Mann holds a high constitutional position, his statements reflected “the arrogance of the state,” and therefore directed him to appear personally to present his explanation.

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