Punjab CM questions legitimacy of acting Akal Takht Jathedar

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday questioned the “fairness” of acting Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, alleging that his appointment “did not follow proper maryada (religious code) and was politically influenced”.

Mann’s remarks came days after Gargaj reprimanded Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh for allegedly violating Sikh maryada during a cultural performance at Anandpur Sahib.

Addressing a gathering in Dhuri (Sangrur), Mann, in a veiled attack, said he held deep respect for the institution of the Akal Takht, but added, “The one sitting is a political appointee — that is why he takes positions in their favour.”

Acting Jathedar Gargaj has summoned Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh to personally appear before him within a week and submit an explanation for the performance, which he said was contrary to Sikh principles and tradition.

Gargaj, appointed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in March 2025 after the removal of Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh, had earlier taken a strong line against the AAP government. He had previously admonished Mann over remarks related to “golak” (donations), cautioning him against “playing with Sikh sentiments”.

At the function in Dhuri, organised to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the CM distributed cheques worth Rs 71 crore for the development of 142 villages and towns visited by the Guru.

Earlier, he inaugurated 38 development works worth Rs 7.57 crore in 17 villages of the Dhuri constituency.

Mann urged devotees to participate in the statewide commemorative events from November 23 to 25 at Anandpur Sahib. He said nagar kirtans had already begun from Srinagar, Faridkot, Gurdaspur and Talwandi Sabo, covering most parts of Punjab.

The CM announced that the state-level blood donation camps, a massive tree plantation drive by the Forest Department and a grand “Sarbat da Bhala – Oneness” event featuring eminent personalities would be held on November 25.

Intensifying his attack on the opposition, Mann said the Akali leadership had “long used religion as a shield to deflect from political failures”. He said it was “hypocritical” for them to question the government’s devotion when they had “already lost credibility among people”.