Post CM’s remark, Gargaj says will respond only to one following Sikh tenets

In sharp response to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s comments made yesterday, Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib and acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj today said at Anandpur Sahib that he would reply to the CM only if he upheld the Sikh tenet of being “Sabat Soorat” (a complete Sikh).

Speaking to the media after the ardas ceremony for the installation of silver doors at Sisganj Sahib Gurdwara, the Jathedar said, “If the CM is ‘Sabat Soorat’, I will respond to him. Why should the Jathedar of Akal Takht reply to someone who keeps neither beard nor hair?”

His remarks came a day after CM Mann publicly criticised him, triggering a heated exchange between the political leadership and the Sikh religious establishment.

Responding to questions from media specifically about the CM’s comments, Gargaj reiterated that a reply could be given only to someone who maintained the Sikh form and identity.

Clarifying his earlier statements that had sparked controversy, the Jathedar said he never opposed government participation in events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. “I have never said that governments should not attend such programmes. Governments should participate and support panthic events, but they should not raise unnecessary objections or impose conditions,” he said.

Reasserting his priorities, Gargaj added that he had “no concern for the government”, stressing that for him, “the Panth was supreme”.

The Jathedar advised the state government to focus on public welfare instead of entering into disputes with religious institutions.