Punjab CM Responds to Video Controversy, Says Person Seen in Footage Is Not Him

A day after Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj declared Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann as “Guru Dokhi” and “Panth Virodhi,” the Chief Minister has categorically denied that he is the person seen in the controversial video at the center of the dispute. In a video statement, Mann said that he holds Akal Takht Sahib in the highest respect. However, he alleged that the current office-bearers, whom he described as politically appointed, were levelling baseless allegations against him to please their political masters. He said a “false narrative” was being deliberately created to tarnish his image. Earlier, the Akal Takht Jathedar had claimed that the controversial video had been examined by two forensic laboratories, both of which reportedly found it to be authentic. Based on those findings, the Jathedar issued a directive asking the Sikh community not to maintain any association with Chief Minister Mann. Responding to the directive, Mann said that he had already appeared before the Akal Takht Secretariat and clearly stated that the individual shown in the video was not him. According to the Chief Minister, the height, physique, and overall physical appearance of the person in the footage do not match his own. Expressing disappointment, Mann said it was surprising that people holding positions in Sikhism’s highest institution were, in his view, acting at the behest of political leaders solely to defame him. He maintained that the allegations against him were entirely baseless. The Chief Minister further alleged that opposition parties had become uneasy over his government's efforts to safeguard Punjab’s agriculture, water resources, and youth. He claimed that political opponents were now using religion for political gain. Mann also said that he was leaving the matter to the judgment of the Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat. He added that the Sikh community was well aware of how political appointments were made at the Akal Takht and reiterated that he completely rejected the controversial video, which formed the basis of the directive issued against him. Without naming any individual, though indicating towards Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mann also targeted his political opponents. He alleged that they were opposing the “Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Amendment Act” because it was against their political interests. The Chief Minister remarked that those who had earlier demanded a strict anti-sacrilege law were now opposing it after its enactment, claiming they had not been consulted. He further stated that such positions were changing frequently and that the Sikh community was aware of past instances where religious decisions had allegedly been influenced by political considerations. Concluding his statement, Mann reaffirmed that he considers Akal Takht Sahib the supreme religious institution and bows before it with respect. He clarified that he has no intention of entering into any direct confrontation with the institution.