Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann faces a religious backlash after Akal Takht and a group of Sikh high priests issue statements calling him “anti-Panth,” “anti-Guru,” and “Guru betrayer,” according to reports. Both outlets link the controversy to a viral video in which alcohol appears to be sprinkled on Sikh symbols. The allegations also draw on disputed remarks attributed to Mann regarding theft from gurdwara donation boxes, which are cited as part of the broader dispute.
The Times of India reports that five Sikh high priests scrutinize the viral clip and advise the Khalsa community against associating with Mann. It also reports that AAP Sikh MLAs who allegedly support a sacrilege-related law have been summoned by the religious authorities.
Scroll.in describes the dispute as involving both the reported gurdwara donation theft remarks and the video. Across the reports, the matter centres on allegations of disrespect toward Sikh religious symbols and authorities, leading to formal condemnations by Akal Takht.
