CM Mann breaks precedent by requesting a public broadcast of his explanation regarding “anti-Sikh” conduct.
Amritsar, Punjab, January 13, 2026: A significant diplomatic and religious face-off has emerged between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Sikh clergy at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh faith.Following a formal summons issued on January 5 by officiating Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, CM Mann is scheduled to appear before the Akal Takht Secretariat on January 15 to explain his recent controversial remarks and conduct.+1
The friction intensified on Tuesday as CM Mann took to social media to request a live telecast of the proceedings. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mann claimed he had been “flooded with messages” from the global Sikh Sangat(community) demanding transparency. He argued that the community deserves to stay connected “moment by moment and penny by penny” as he presents evidence regarding his statements on the Guru ki Golak (donation box) and the principle of Dasvandh (tithe).
The summons originated from a video surfaced online showing Mann in conduct deemed “highly objectionable” towards the pictures of Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The Jathedar previously clarified that Mann, being a “patit” (apostate) Sikh—due to not keeping unshorn hair—cannot be presented before the sacred Fasil (rostrum) and must instead appear at the Secretariat.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has reacted sharply to Mann’s request for a live broadcast, advising the Chief Minister to appear with “humility” rather than setting preconditions. Critics argue that Mann is attempting to turn a religious disciplinary proceeding into a political platform. Despite a high-profile visit by the President of India to Amritsar on the same day, Mann has confirmed he will prioritize the Akal Takht summons, stating he will walk barefoot into the precincts as a “devout Sikh” rather than as a Chief Minister.
