Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann appears before Akal Takht over ‘Golak’ remarks

Earlier, Mann said he did not seek a change in appearance time, even as the Akal Takht Secretariat said he cited prior engagements and asked for a rescheduling.

File photo of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann | ANI

Amritsar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann arrived at the Golden Temple on Thursday to appear before the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat over his remarks on the “Golak” issue, according to the PRO (Public Relations Officer) of ‘Shri Akal Takht Sahib’.

According to the PRO of ‘Shri Akal Takht Sahib’, the Jathedars presented a copy of the monthly Gurdwara Gazette magazine related to the Sikh code of conduct and letters of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to the Chief Minister during his appearance before Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj and Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh at the Secretariat.

Earlier on Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann claimed he had not demanded a change of time to appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib after being summoned for alleged statements against ‘Guru ki Golak’.

Bhagwant Mann, in an X post, stated that he is ready to be present at 10 am on January 15 as demanded by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

“Respected Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji, I have no other engagements on January 15; I have also provided information at the office of the Honourable President Ji. The day of January 15 is fully dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with your Ji’s orders. No official letter or statement regarding the change of time has been issued from my side or my office. I am ready to be present with humility at 10 AM on January 15, Ji. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,” he wrote on X.

This comes after the Akal Takht Secretariat, in a notice, said that Bhagwant Mann cited prior engagements and sought a change in timing. The Sikh body had then asked the Punjab CM to appear at 4:30 pm on January 15 instead of 10 am.

“Secretariat Sri Akal Takht Sahib letter No. A: T/26/561 dated 05 January 2026 invited you to give your explanation on 15 January 2026 at 10.00 AM at Secretariat, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Amritsar, but in the statement issued by you in this regard, you have referred to your engagements. Therefore, as per the order issued by Respected Singh Sahib Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji, it is written that you now have to reach the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib at 04.30 PM on 15 January 2026 to give your explanation. With thanks,” the Secretariat wrote in the notice.

Earlier, on January 8, Bhagwant Mann had asked the Jathedar to live broadcast his clarification on January 15.

Mann wrote on X, “I am receiving messages from all over the world that on January 15, when we go with the account of the Golak on behalf of the sangat, it should be a live telecast on all channels… Understanding the sentiments of the sangat from around the world, I too request the Jathedar Sahib that my clarification be directly broadcast, so that the sangat can stay connected moment by moment and penny by penny in the accounting. See you on January 15 with evidence included.” (ANI)

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