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Jalandhar: In a development which could have far reaching consequences, the Akal Takht, the highest seat of authority of the Sikhs on June 15 proclaimed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is a ‘Guru dokhi’ or the Guru’s adversary.

The Takth also said that Mann was ‘Khalsa panth virodhi’ or anti-Khalsa Panth, citing a video it deemed objectionable and his government’s handling of Sikh religious matters.

The Akal Takth is situated on the premises of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

A gathering of five Singh Sahibans – the clergy of the Akal Takht – unanimously passed two resolutions. One is on The Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which was passed by the Punjab government on April 13, allegedly without consulting central Sikh institutions. The second resolution is related to a video in which Mann is allegedly seen sprinkling alcohol on a photograph of Sikh Gurus.

The Akal Takht’s decision comes at a time when the Punjab assembly elections are just six months away. The opposition, ranging from the Congress to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) have been seeking Mann’s resignation with immediate effect.

On May 8, the Akal Takht had summoned Punjab assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan and had given him 15 days to facilitate amendments in accordance with points raised by the Sikh clergy. However, CM Mann, who has been leading a ‘Shukrana Yatra’ or thanksgiving procession across Punjab on the successful implementation of the sacrilege law had categorically refused to amend or repeal the act, inviting the ire of the Sikh clergy.

Akal Takht’s statement

In a press statement, the Akal Takht noted that despite having given written objections to the Punjab government through Speaker Sandhawan on May 11, no amendments were made. “

The Punjab government ignored the objections and adopted what is described as an ‘obstinate and arrogant’ attitude’,” the statement read.

The statement further read that CM Bhagwant Mann through his public statements challenged the authority of Sri Akal Takht........

© The Wire