Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday has “categorically and completely” denied the authenticity of a viral video, terming it as part of a “false propaganda” to defame him. In the statement, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader stated that the person in the video “does not match his physique or height.”
What is the controversy?
On Monday, a decree was issued from the Akal Takht against Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. This is the first time that the Akal Takht has issued a decree against a sitting Chief Minister. In which the Sikh clergy led by Akal Takht acting jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, directed the Sikh Panth (community) to shun ties with Mann.
What did Punjab CM say?
While addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said, “The person seen in the video is not me. I am shocked that people holding such high positions in the sect are acting as political pawns. The person in the video neither resembles me in stature nor in physique. This is a mere conspiracy to defame me. This order has been issued against me at the behest of their political masters. This is propaganda against me.”
“I categorically and completely reject the authenticity of that video. The person in the video is not me. The person in the video neither matches my height nor build, ” the Punjab CM said in a video message that was shared on his social media platform X.
What did Mann say about the decision?
The Chief Minister said that my opponents cannot tolerate the government decisions I am taking in Punjab for the welfare of the Guru, water, farming, and youth. Therefore, they are resorting to tactics to defame me, using religion as a means to achieve this.
Mann said, “I consider the Akal Takht to be the highest institution and I bow before it. Neither I nor my future generations can ever contemplate paying homage to the Akal Takht, but the political appointments made at the Akal Takht and the decisions these individuals are making are well known to the entire congregation.”
“Today, I want to share some thoughts with you regarding a very serious matter. Recently, an edict (hukumnama) was issued by the jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, certain statements concerning me, based on a specific video, saying that the video is not AI-generated or doctored. When I was summoned to Akal Takht Sahib, I clarified that I do not feature in that video at all, and the person in that video bears no resemblance to me,” he said.
“However, I am surprised at how individuals holding such exalted religious offices are engaging in false propaganda at the behest of their political masters. spreading malicious disinformation solely to defame me…,” he added.
What did Arvind Kejriwal say?
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal also shared CM Mann’s clarification video and wrote that the opponents, upset by Bhagwant Mann’s good work, are trying to defame him by telling lies.
What did Akal Takht say?
Earlier on Monday, several important decisions were announced from the Sri Akal Takht Sahib against the Punjab government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgajj stated that a Hukamnama has been issued against the Chief Minister for ignoring the directives regarding the amendment of the sacrilege law and other matters. Furthermore, all members of the Punjab Cabinet and the concerned Sikh MLAs have been summoned to appear at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 29. Written explanations have also been sought from all Hindu MLAs in this regard.
Following the meeting at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Jathedar stated that the Sikh community had asked the Punjab government to remove objectionable provisions in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege law. A letter was written to the government directing it to make amendments within 15 days. He alleged that despite more than a month having passed, the government had not taken any concrete steps, terming this a disregard of the Sri Akal Takht Sahib’s orders.
