Akal Takht seeks explanation from two SGPC members over meeting with CM Mann, bars them from SGPC meetings

PTC Web Desk:  Sri Akal Takht Sahib has sought an explanation from two Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) members over their recent meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who had earlier been declared 'Guru Dokhi' and 'Khalsa Panth Virodhi' by the Sikh temporal seat.

Mithu Singh Kahneke and Jaswant Singh Purain have been asked to appear personally and submit their explanations within 10 days. Until the matter is addressed, they have also been barred from participating in SGPC meetings.

The directions were issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat on the orders of acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.

According to the letters issued by the Akal Takht Secretariat, Mithu Singh Kahneke and Jaswant Singh Purain recently met Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann despite the June 15, 2026, directive concerning him.

The Secretariat said as representatives of a Sikh institution, the two SGPC members were expected to follow and uphold the directions issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

It has therefore asked both members to personally appear within 10 days and explain their position.

The SGPC secretary has also been informed about the decision and the temporary restriction imposed on the two members.

Kahneke stopped from attending SGPC meeting

The action came on a day when the SGPC's executive committee was scheduled to meet.

Kahneke, who is also a member of the SGPC's executive committee, said he had already been sitting in the meeting when he was shown the letter and asked not to participate.

He further claimed that he had not personally received the communication from the Akal Takht Secretariat regarding the restriction.

Five-member delegation had met Bhagwant Mann

Kahneke and Purain were part of a five-member Sikh delegation that recently met Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The delegation sought an impartial investigation into the incident at Anandpur Sahib and also raised the allegations made by a woman who had travelled from Bahrain.

The delegation had sought a detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding the case and urged the state government to ensure that all aspects were investigated.

Akal Takht's earlier action against Bhagwant Mann

The latest development is linked to an earlier action taken by Sri Akal Takht Sahib against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following the circulation of an objectionable video.

According to the letter issued to the two SGPC members, Mann had been declared “Guru Dokhi' and 'Khalsa Panth Virodhi' by Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 15.

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