Bhagwant Mann not first CM to be ‘summoned’ by Akal Takht Jathedar

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is not the only CM to be summoned by Akal Takht Jathedar for allegedly violating the Panthic tenets.

Earlier, prominent politicians had to undergo “tankhah” (religious punishment) for atonement.

Former CM Surjit Singh Barnala was the most prominent instance. Barnala was declared “tankhaiya” (guilty of religious misconduct) in 1986 and excommunicated when he was the sitting CM. He was held accountable for ordering security forces to enter the Golden Temple as part of Operation Black Thunder to flush out militants from the shrine complex.

Also read: Punjab CM’s passive stance at Akal Takht may earn him dividend: Sikh experts

Two years later, he eventually sought atonement. In the presence of thousands of devotees, Barnala was roped by priests to a pillar near Akal Takht and around his neck was hung a placard reading, “I am guilty and made hundreds of mistakes, but you are the ones who can forgive me.”

He was released after 15 minutes, but not before pronouncing “tankhah” of one week of service in a community kitchen, cleaning shoes and utensils, followed by seven days of scrubbing floors and seven days of prayer recital. After completion of his service, he was placed in the mainstream.

Similarly, former CM Parkash Singh Badal was summoned in 1979 at Akal Takht to submit clarification on the Sikh-Nirankari clash that had left 13 Sikh protesters dead in Amritsar on April 13, 1978. The Akal Takht had issued an edict severing ties with Nirankaris.

Giani Zail Singh, as President of India, faced significant controversy and conflict with the Akal Takht following Operation Bluestar in 1984, which involved the Indian Army attacking the Golden Temple complex, including Akal Takht. Though he was later declared “tankhaiya” by Akal Takht for his “role”, he eventually atoned with an apology.

Another prominent politician, former Home Minister Buta Singh, who allegedly violated directives of Akal Takht on reconstruction of Takht building post-Operation Bluestar in 1984, was also declared “tankhaiya”. Later, he sought forgiveness, performed penance (including service and public apology), and was eventually readmitted into the Sikh community.

On December 2, 2024, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and his coterie of ministers during the party’s regime between 2007 and 2017 were summoned and punished at the Akal Takht for committing “mistakes” that had dented the Panthic interests when they were in power. They underwent “tankhah” for penance.

Previous incidents

Former CM Surjit Singh Barnala was declared 'tankhaiya' in 1986. He was held accountable for ordering security forces to enter the Golden Temple as part of Operation Black Thunder to flush out militants.

Ex-CM Parkash Singh Badal was summoned in 1979 to submit a clarification on the Sikh-Nirankari clash that had left 13 Sikh protesters dead in Amritsar on April 13, 1978.

Giani Zail Singh, as President of India, faced conflict with Akal Takht following Operation Bluestar in 1984, which involved the Indian Army attacking the Golden Temple complex, including Takht buidling.

Ex-Home Minister Buta Singh, who violated directives of Akal Takht on reconstruction of Takht building post-Operation Bluestar in 1984, was also declared ‘tankhaiya’.