Sri Akal Takht Sahib summons Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann over golak remarks
PTC Web Desk: Sri Akal Takht Sahib has summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, directing him to appear in person on January 15 to offer a clarification over his repeated statements concerning the donation boxes (golaks) of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
According to information available, the summons was issued in response to remarks made by the Chief Minister that were perceived as questioning Sikh traditions, including contributions to SGPC golaks and the concept of dasvandh (religious offering).
Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said the Punjab Governmentm led by CM Mann, had also failed to adequately pursue key cases linked to Sikh sentiments. He pointed out that after the arrest of Pardeep Kaler in the Bargari sacrilege case, no government counsel appeared before the Supreme Court during subsequent hearings.
The acting Jathedar further stated that accused persons in the Maur bomb blast case have yet to be arrested, despite what he termed as a direct link to the Dera Sacha Sauda chief. He also alleged that the Punjab government is not actively presenting its case before the Supreme Court in matters related to incidents of sacrilege.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said CM Mann had recently made comments that amounted to an attack on the Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct). He emphasised that the Rehat Maryada was formulated about a century ago after nearly 30 years of deliberations and consensus-building.
The Jathedar added that the Chief Minister has on several occasions targeted the SGPC’s donation system through public statements and has also questioned the religious practice of dasvandh, which has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments.
In view of these issues, Sri Akal Takht Sahib has directed CM Bhagwant Mann to personally appear before the highest temporal seat of Sikhism on January 15 and present his explanation.
The acting Jathedar said several complaints had been received regarding certain videos of the Chief Minister, submitted by a number of prominent individuals. These videos allegedly show Bhagwant Mann consuming alcohol and splashing liquor on images of 10 Sikh Gurus. In addition, an objectionable act was allegedly committed involving the image of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He termed this an extremely deplorable act and a direct attack on Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He said that all such videos would be subjected to the strictest possible investigation and that stringent action would be taken against those responsible.
He further asserted that any attempt to challenge the supremacy of Akal Takht Sahib or to undermine Sikh dignity and honour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- PTC NEWS
