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Mann Denies Involvement in Controversial Video, Claims Political Conspiracy
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is pushing back against allegations that he appears in a video where someone is seen pouring alcohol on images of Sikh Gurus and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The Akal Takht, a prominent Sikh institution, insists the footage is authentic, but Mann argues it depicts a different individual, suggesting a deliberate effort to tarnish his reputation. He stated,
“It is possible that somebody paid a person resembling me and used him to create this video in order to defame me and damage me politically.”
Mann's response follows the Akal Takht's assertion that the video is genuine. He expressed respect for the institution but accused its members of being politically motivated, alleging they act on behalf of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. To get to the bottom of the incident, Mann announced plans to direct the state’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, to investigate the video's origins.
“The truth must come out. Who got this video made? On whose instructions was it prepared?”he demanded.
In a bid to counter claims that he disrespects Sikh sentiments, Mann highlighted his government’s initiatives, such as commemorating the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's sons and exempting vehicles carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib from taxes. He reinforced his commitment to Sikhism, stating,
“I am a secular person and I respect all religions equally. But no one can question my commitment towards Sikhism and towards protecting the honour of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.”
Mann also addressed the Akal Takht's directive discouraging the Sikh community from associating with him, insisting that people are capable of making their own informed decisions. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema supported Mann's claims, asserting that independent laboratory reports indicated the person in the video is not the chief minister. He noted,
“These reports are from independent laboratories which are recognised by the government of India and these labs are not in Punjab.”
The controversy escalated when Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized Mann’s shifting explanations about the video. During a press conference, Badal alleged that the chief minister was hiding something significant, recalling that Mann initially suggested the video could be reviewed by any forensic lab. Badal pointed out,
“He did not even have the courtesy to reply”to the Akal Takht’s inquiries for a lab recommendation before they independently verified the footage. He accused the government of hastily obtaining favorable reports and called for a united front to protect the honor of Sikh Gurus and the Khalsa Panth.
Badal has urged AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal to remove Mann from his position, warning that if action isn’t taken within a month, the Shiromani Akali Dal will initiate a broader movement to combat what they see as a grave threat to Sikh dignity. He drew parallels between this struggle and the original Akali movement aimed at preserving the sanctity of Sikh institutions, asserting,
“Just as our predecessors fought to save the honour of the gurdwaras and the Guru, we will now fight to protect the honour of the Sikh Gurus and the Khalsa Panth.”A committee has been formed to coordinate efforts among various political and religious groups for collective action.
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