Punjab's political landscape has been engulfed in controversy following the circulation of a viral video that allegedly shows Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann engaging in conduct considered disrespectful towards Sikh Gurus. The video has triggered sharp reactions from religious authorities and political opponents, while the chief minister has categorically denied any involvement, describing the allegations as part of a coordinated campaign to malign his image.
The controversy intensified after the Akal Takht declared Mann a "Guru Dokhi" (anti-Guru) and "Khalsa Panth Virodhi" (anti-Khalsa Panth). The Sikh religious body accused the Punjab chief minister of misleading the clergy by claiming that the disputed video was generated using artificial intelligence.
The footage, which has spread widely across social media platforms, allegedly depicts a man resembling Mann consuming alcohol and splashing liquor on photographs of Sikh Gurus. The video has become the focal point of a growing political and religious storm in the state.
Responding to the allegations, Mann issued a video statement firmly rejecting the authenticity of the claims. He maintained that he is not the individual shown in the footage and reiterated that he had already clarified this position during an appearance before the Akal Takht in January.
"I completely reject this video," Mann said, asserting that the person visible in the footage does not match his physical appearance, height, or build. The chief minister expressed surprise that individuals occupying what he described as the highest positions in Sikh religious institutions were, according to him, participating in the spread of misinformation under political influence.
The Akal Takht's actions have gone beyond the declaration against Mann. Sikh clergy have directed members of the Sikh community to distance themselves from the chief minister and have summoned all Sikh legislators in Punjab, irrespective of party affiliation, along with members of the state Cabinet, to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29. The summons is linked to discussions surrounding Punjab's anti-sacrilege legislation.
Mann, however, accused his detractors of conducting a smear campaign aimed at undermining his government. He argued that his administration's decisions concerning Punjab's water resources, Gurbani, agriculture, and youth welfare had unsettled political opponents who were now resorting to character attacks.
While reaffirming his respect for the Akal Takht as the supreme Sikh religious institution, the chief minister also raised questions regarding appointments within religious bodies. Emphasising his commitment to the state, Mann stated that Punjab remained at the centre of his priorities and that he continued to work tirelessly for its welfare.
The origins of the controversy date back to a complaint filed against Mann earlier this year. The complaint accused him of making remarks related to "Guru ki Golak" and engaging in objectionable conduct involving photographs of Sikh Gurus and slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, as allegedly depicted in the viral video.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj stated that Mann had informed the Sikh clergy in January that the video was fabricated using AI technology. According to Gargajj, the Akal Takht subsequently asked the chief minister to recommend forensic laboratories for an independent examination of the footage, but no response was received.
The religious body later commissioned an examination of the video by two forensic laboratories recognised by the central government. Gargajj claimed that both institutions concluded that the footage was genuine and showed no signs of being AI-generated.
"The Guru Khalsa Panth cannot tolerate such actions under any circumstances," Gargajj reportedly said, adding that the controversy was compounded by the allegation that the chief minister had misrepresented facts before the Akal Takht.
As the dispute deepens, it has evolved into a significant confrontation involving politics, religion, and public perception in Punjab. With the June 29 appearance before the Akal Takht approaching, the controversy is likely to remain at the centre of the state's political discourse in the coming weeks.
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