Amid the controversy regarding the viral video concerning Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday (27th June) passed a resolution to initiate a legal action against him. The Sikh Body believes that Mann failed to give a satisfactory answer over the issue and that he has lost the moral right to remain in the office of chief minister.
The resolution was passed at a special meeting of the General House of the SGPC held at Teja Singh Samundri Hall in Amritsar on Saturday. In the meeting, the Akal Takht’s decision declaring Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as “anti-Guru” and “anti-community” was endorsed. The members demanded Mann’s resignation and pledged commitment to uphold Akal Takht’s decree against the CM over the objectionable video row.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami announced the body’s decision to file an FIR against Mann. He said that the committee has decided to take a legal action against Mann as he allegedly hurt religious sentiments and committed sacrilege. He added that the Chief Minister misused his constitutional office, using government machinery to fabricate evidence, and suppressing facts in the viral video case. “We will meet DGP Punjab for the same,” Dhami said.
“The governments are attempting to gain direct control over Sikh institutions, therefore, the panth must unite and oppose such attempts. Weakening Sikh institutions would cause severe harm to the community,” said Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj.
As per reports, the SGPC announced that a Panthic gathering will be held at Gurdwara Manji Sahib Diwan Hall on 5th July following the foundation day even of the Akal Takht. Several Sikh organisations, including the Damdami Taksal, Nihang groups, Singh Sabhas, and Sikh institutions and scholars are expected to attend the meeting.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has been at the centre of a massive political and religious controversy triggered by a viral video. In the video, a man who resembled Mann, was seen with a glass of alcohol. He was observed standing in front of images of important Sikh religious figures, including their gurus. The video was denounced by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and many Sikh religious outfits, who charged that the actions violated the code of conduct and conventions of their faith as well as displayed serious disrespect for the gurus.
