Punjab Chief Minister Denies Seeking Change in Akal Takht Appearance Timing
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has firmly denied requesting any alteration to the timing of his scheduled appearance before the Akal Takht secretariat. The clarification comes amidst a growing controversy over a change in the schedule from 10 am to 4.30 pm on January 15.
Mann stated on Tuesday that neither he nor his office issued any official communication regarding a time change. "No official letter or statement has been issued from my side or my office regarding the change in time. I am ready to appear at 10 am on January 15," the chief minister declared.
Akal Takht Secretariat Cites CM's Engagements for Timing Shift
The Akal Takht secretariat released a statement explaining the timing adjustment. They attributed the change to engagements indicated by the chief minister for that day.
"As per the orders of Executive Jathedar Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the time for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh to provide clarification at the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat on January 15, 2026, has been changed from 10 am to 4.30 pm in view of the engagements he himself indicated for that day," the statement read.
Mann Asserts Complete Dedication to Akal Takht Summons
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Mann emphasized his commitment to the summons. He clarified he has no other work scheduled for January 15 and has already informed the President's office about his inability to attend an event at GNDU University in Amritsar.
"Jathedar ji, as per your instructions, the entire day of January 15 is dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib. I had said that I would present myself barefoot on time on January 15," Mann wrote.
The chief minister further expressed deep reverence for the Akal Takht. "Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed. Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is above everything for me," he affirmed.
Background of the Summons
Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj summoned Mann for allegedly making comments that hurt Sikh sentiments. The summons specifically mentions:
- Objectionable comments about 'Guru ki Golak' (gurdwara donation box)
- Engaging in activities with pictures of Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale
- Deliberately expressing anti-Sikh mentality regarding 'Dasvandh' practice
Dasvandh represents the Sikh practice of donating ten percent of one's earnings as a religious duty. The jathedar stated Mann's comments deeply hurt Sikh sentiments regarding this fundamental principle.
Separate Investigation into Missing Scripture Copies
In a related development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Punjab Police visited SGPC offices in Amritsar and Chandigarh on Tuesday. They sought records concerning 328 missing 'saroops' (scripture copies) of the Guru Granth Sahib.
SIT member Jagatpreet Singh confirmed, "We met SGPC officials and submitted a written request that the record be provided. They said they would soon provide us with the record. Once we have the record, we can properly investigate the case."
The case involves serious charges under the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Injuring or defiling a place of worship
- Deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings
- Criminal breach of trust
- Forgery and criminal conspiracy
On Monday, Jathedar Gargajj directed the SGPC to cooperate with the Punjab government's investigation into the missing sacred scriptures. This cooperation aims to address confusion within the Sikh community and serve larger Panthic interests.
The Akal Takht jathedar had not issued any further statement regarding Mann's appearance at the time of reporting. Mann maintains he will appear not as a chief minister, but as a humble and devout Sikh, requesting transparency in SGPC's donation accounting.
