Amritsar remains at the center of a scheduling puzzle. The exact timing for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's appearance at the Akal Takht secretariat is still unclear. Will he arrive at 10 am or 4:30 pm on Thursday? Or will a new, mutually agreed time be set for him to clarify his alleged objectionable remarks?
The Shifting Schedule
The Akal Takht secretariat initially rescheduled the chief minister's appearance. They moved it from 10 am to 4:30 pm on January 15. Officials cited his busy schedule and prior commitments as the reason for the change.
However, Chief Minister Mann later made a statement on social media. He clarified that he had no engagements on January 15. He emphasized that he had kept the entire day free and dedicated it to the Akal Takht.
Seeking a Middle Path
Sources close to the matter indicate that efforts are underway to find a middle path. This solution aims to save face for both the chief minister's office and the Akal Takht secretariat.
"The Akal Takht secretariat could advance the time of Mann's appearance," sources explained. This would happen upon receiving a formal request from the chief minister's office. Such a request has not been made so far.
Another factor complicates the timing. The officiating jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, is currently out of the city. He is expected to return on Thursday. His arrival makes the 10 am slot potentially too early for the proceedings.
The Summons and The Controversy
Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, summoned Chief Minister Mann. The summons required him to give clarification for his alleged anti-Sikh remarks and objectionable conduct.
This move sparked objections from various Sikh bodies and members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). A key point of contention is that Bhagwant Mann is a non-baptised Sikh.
Internal Criticism and Questions
Prominent SGPC members, including Kiranjot Kaur and Mithu Singh Kahanake, have voiced strong criticism. They allege that the officiating jathedar is introducing a new, non-panthic tradition. These members have written to the SGPC president, seeking the jathedar's removal.
Panthic organisations have also raised fundamental questions. They are questioning whether the Akal Takht secretariat is an integral part of the Akal Takht itself. Furthermore, they are asking if the Takht's established maryada, or code of conduct, does not apply within the secretariat.
The situation remains fluid as Thursday approaches. All parties await a clear resolution to this timing confusion and the underlying issues it represents.
