AMRITSAR, Jan 15: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, stating he would fully accept every decision taken by the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community and would never question its supremacy.
Speaking to reporters after submitting his clarification at the Akal Takht Secretariat, Mann said he had appeared in compliance with the directions of the Jathedar Sahib. “As per the orders of the Jathedar Sahib, I appeared here as a humble Sikh and submitted my explanation,” he said. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is supreme for the entire Sikh community, and it is supreme for me as well.”
Mann, who walked barefoot while reciting prayers before bowing at the Takht, said the Jathedar Sahib had recorded his statement and would take further action after consulting the Singh Sahibans. “Every decision of the Jathedar Sahib is acceptable to me,” he said, adding that the appearance brought him “contentment and inner peace.”
Rejecting claims of a confrontation between the Punjab government and the Akal Takht, the chief minister described such narratives as false. “There is no question of challenging or weakening the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” Mann said. “My government’s role is limited to serving Punjab and ensuring the welfare of its people.”
Referring to his role as chief minister, Mann said he considered himself a servant of the state. “I perform ardas daily for the chardi kala of Punjab,” he said. “My head bows before every religious place. It is impossible for me to act against the state or its people.”
Mann said he had submitted between 25,000 and 30,000 pages of complaints before the Jathedar Sahib related to the functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. “These complaints reflect the sentiments of millions,” he said. “Institutions are supreme, but individuals can err, and such mistakes must be examined.”
On the Special Investigation Team formed to trace missing saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Mann said the move was non-political. “The SIT has been constituted solely to trace the missing saroops so they are not misused,” he said, noting that police had been instructed not to enter religious premises.
He added that the Punjab government would inform Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the SGPC once the saroops were traced, with all further steps taken strictly according to Rehat Maryada.
