Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann rejects viral video, calls allegations a conspiracy after Akal Takht edict

Chandigarh, June 2026 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday strongly denied allegations stemming from a viral video that led the Sikh clergy to issue an edict against him, describing the footage as part of a conspiracy aimed at defaming both him and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

A day after the Sikh clergy pronounced religious sanctions against the Chief Minister, Mann released a video statement asserting that the person seen in the footage did not match his physical appearance.

“The video neither matches my height nor my build. It is false propaganda and a conspiracy to malign me and the AAP,” Mann said.

The Chief Minister also reiterated his respect for the Akal Takht Sahib, considered the highest temporal authority of Sikhism. However, he alleged that some individuals occupying religious positions were promoting misinformation to serve political interests.

“I revere Sri Akal Takht Sahib as supreme, but some people at religious posts are peddling false propaganda for their political masters,” he said.

On Monday, the Akal Takht directed members of the Sikh community to socially boycott Mann over the controversial video, which the clergy said had hurt Sikh sentiments. The Sikh leadership declared the Chief Minister guilty of allegedly sprinkling alcohol on portraits of Sikh Gurus, as purportedly shown in the viral footage.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj stated that the video was neither AI-generated nor doctored. Following deliberations in Amritsar, the Sikh clergy pronounced the edict from the Akal Takht podium, declaring Mann “Guru Dokhi” (anti-Guru) and “Khalsa Panth Virodhi” (anti-community).

The clergy also summoned Sikh legislators from all political parties, along with cabinet ministers, to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 in connection with a recently passed anti-sacrilege law in Punjab.

The controversy traces back to January 4, when a complaint was filed against the Chief Minister over a video that allegedly showed him making remarks about the “Guru ki Golak” (gurdwara donation box) and disrespecting images of Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Following the complaint, Mann appeared before the Akal Takht on January 15 to respond to allegations of making derogatory remarks concerning Sikh tenets. He became only the third Punjab Chief Minister to be summoned by the Akal Takht after former chief ministers Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh Barnala.

The latest developments have intensified political and religious debate in Punjab, with the issue likely to remain in focus in the coming weeks.

Team Maverick.