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The Akal Takht’s decision could pose a significant challenge for the AAP ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, given the institution’s influence within the Sikh community.
AAP Faces Heat in Punjab as Akal Takht Declares Bhagwant Mann ‘Anti-Guru’. | File Image: Sourced
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a major setback in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections after the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, declared Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann “anti-Guru” and called on the Sikh community to ostracise him, dealing a significant blow to the ruling party a year before the polls.
The decision follows a long controversy surrounding a video that allegedly showed a man resembling Mann sprinkling alcohol on images of Sikh Gurus and making objectionable remarks about Guru Ki Golak, the donation box kept in gurdwaras where devotees voluntarily contribute money.
Controversy Over Viral Video
The dispute dates back to earlier this year when the video surfaced and sparked criticism from sections of the Sikh community.
The Akal Takht summoned Mann on January 15 and sought an explanation regarding the clip. The chief minister denied the allegations and maintained that his remarks had been taken out of context. He also claimed that the video had been generated using artificial intelligence.
However, on Monday, the Akal Takht announced that forensic examinations had concluded the video was genuine.
An urgent meeting of the five Singh Sahibs, the Sikh high priests, was convened following the forensic findings. Announcing the decision, Akal Takht Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gargaj said Mann had failed to provide evidence supporting his claim that the video was AI-generated.
“We asked the chief minister about the video and he claimed it was AI-generated. We asked him to give us proof but received no response for six months. We then had the video examined by two government-recognised laboratories, which revealed that the video is neither fake nor AI-generated,” Gargaj said.
Akal Takht’s Verdict
Following the review, the Akal Takht held Mann guilty of sacrilege.
Gargaj said the Sikh community had examined the matter and reached its conclusion after considering the evidence.
According to the Akal Takht, Mann had lied before the institution and was therefore being declared Guru dokhi (anti-Guru) and Khalsa panth virodhi (against the Sikh religion).
“Sikhs have no expectations from the chief minister, and the panth and followers of the Guru should shun him,” Gargaj said.
AAP Questions Findings
The AAP rejected the conclusions drawn from the forensic reports.
The party argued that while the tests may have determined that the video was not artificially generated, they did not establish whether the individual seen in the footage was actually Bhagwant Mann.
The controversy comes despite the party’s strong performance in Punjab’s civic elections last month. However, the Akal Takht’s decision has emerged as a fresh challenge for the ruling party ahead of next year’s Assembly polls.
Political Impact
Political observers say the Akal Takht’s decision could pose a significant challenge for the AAP ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, given the institution’s influence within the Sikh community. Being declared “anti-Guru” by the highest temporal authority of Sikhs could affect the party’s ability to consolidate Sikh voters, particularly in rural Punjab.
The controversy comes just weeks after AAP’s sweeping performance in the May 2026 civic polls, turning what appeared to be a period of political strength into a fresh crisis before the Assembly election campaign gathers pace. The development is also likely to provide an opportunity for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which has struggled to regain public support in recent years, to revive its political fortunes by foregrounding religious issues. The episode marks the latest flashpoint in AAP’s strained relationship with Sikh religious institutions and follows earlier confrontations involving bodies linked to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Entire Punjab Cabinet Summoned
In another major development, the Akal Takht has summoned the entire Punjab cabinet to appear before it on June 29.
The summons relates to the passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which prescribes punishment of up to life imprisonment for acts of sacrilege against the Sikh holy book.
Criticising the legislation, Gargaj said the Punjab government had acted without consulting the Sikh community, Sikh institutions or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
“It is intolerable for anyone to challenge the Guru’s throne. Recently, the Punjab government introduced an Act without consulting the Sikh community, institutions, or the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government acted obstinately, securing approval from the Legislative Assembly and the Governor. This law will cause a rift within the panth. The government has no authority to enact legislation concerning the panth,” he said.
Opposition Demands Mann’s Resignation
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring demanded Mann’s resignation following the Akal Takht’s ruling.
“Following the forensic investigation of the alleged video by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Bhagwant Mann has been declared a tankhaiya and the Sikh sangat has been asked to stay away from him. After such a serious decision, Bhagwant Mann has lost his moral right. Respecting the supreme authority of Akal Takht Sahib and Sikh sentiments, Bhagwant Mann should immediately resign from the post of chief minister,” Warring wrote on X.
Kejriwal Defends Mann
Meanwhile, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal defended Mann and accused political opponents of attempting to tarnish his image.
Kejriwal said those unsettled by Bhagwant Mann’s work and achievements were trying to defame him by portraying him as a liar.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
Punjab, India, India
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