A major political and religious controversy has erupted in Punjab after the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community, declared Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a “Guru Dokhi” (anti-Guru) and “Khalsa Panth Virodhi” (anti-Khalsa Panth) over a viral video that allegedly shows a man resembling him behaving disrespectfully towards photographs of Sikh Gurus.
The development has intensified political tensions in the state, with opposition parties demanding accountability while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly rejected the allegations.
What Is the Viral Video Controversy?
The controversy centres around a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a man consuming alcohol and splashing liquor near photographs of Sikh Gurus.
Religious leaders associated with the Akal Takht claim forensic examinations conducted by two government-recognised laboratories found no evidence that the footage was generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
Based on those findings, the Sikh clergy issued a strong statement against Mann, accusing him of misleading religious authorities regarding the authenticity of the video.
Bhagwant Mann Rejects Allegations
Responding to the accusations, Bhagwant Mann categorically denied being the person featured in the video.
In a public statement, the Punjab Chief Minister said the individual visible in the footage does not match his physical appearance, height, or build. He accused political opponents of orchestrating a campaign to tarnish his image ahead of future political battles.
Mann also reiterated his respect for the Akal Takht and Sikh religious institutions while questioning what he described as politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation.
Akal Takht Orders Community To Distance Itself
The Akal Takht’s declaration has triggered widespread debate across Punjab.
Religious leaders urged members of the Sikh community to distance themselves from Mann and announced that Sikh legislators from different political parties, along with Sikh ministers in the Punjab Cabinet, have been asked to appear before the Akal Takht on June 29.
The issue has expanded beyond the viral video, with religious authorities also raising concerns regarding the Punjab government’s handling of legislation related to the protection and respect of the Guru Granth Sahib.
AAP Questions Forensic Findings
The Aam Aadmi Party has challenged the conclusions drawn from the forensic reports.
AAP leaders argued that while the laboratories may have concluded the video was not AI-generated, the reports did not conclusively establish the identity of the person seen in the footage.
Party representatives have demanded greater transparency regarding the forensic investigation and questioned whether sufficient evidence exists to directly link Mann to the video.
Opposition Demands Chief Minister’s Resignation
The controversy has provided fresh ammunition to opposition parties in Punjab.
Several opposition leaders have called for Mann’s resignation, arguing that the Akal Takht’s declaration has raised serious concerns about his moral authority to continue as Chief Minister.
Punjab Congress leaders have urged Mann to respect Sikh sentiments and step down until the matter is fully resolved.
Political Impact Ahead
The dispute is likely to have significant political implications in Punjab, where religious and community sentiments often play a crucial role in electoral politics.
As competing narratives continue to emerge, the controversy is expected to remain a major issue in state politics over the coming weeks. Investigations, public reactions, and the proceedings before the Akal Takht on June 29 could shape the next phase of this high-profile political and religious dispute.
