Punjab Chief Minister Denies Claims Related to Controversial Video

Bhagwant Mann, the Chief Minister of Punjab, on 16 June 2026, refuted claims that he is the individual featured in a contentious video that has caused unrest among Sikh devotees. The video's circulation spurred condemnation from the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht, which serves as the preeminent authority in Sikh matters. The clergy labelled Mann as 'Guru dokhi' (anti-Guru) and 'Khalsa Panth virodhi' (anti-Khalsa Panth). In response, Mann described the video as fraudulent, asserting that it is part of a 'malicious and politically motivated conspiracy' orchestrated by Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to tarnish his reputation and undermine the governance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Chief Minister characterised this incident as a desperate manoeuvre by vested interests unsettled by his government's stringent anti-beadbi (sacrilege) laws and initiatives that he claims are beneficial to Punjab. He accused certain politically influenced actors of disseminating falsehoods aimed at discrediting him. Despite the backlash, Mann affirmed his profound respect for the Akal Takht, stating, 'I hold Akal Takht Sahib in the highest esteem and bow before its authority with utmost reverence.' He committed to persist in making bold decisions in favour of Punjab, regardless of the smear campaigns targeting his administration. In contrast, opposition leaders intensified their criticisms. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition and a member of the Congress party, remarked that respect for the Akal Takht is integral to the Sikh community's faith. He condemned Mann's confrontational approach, asserting that the situation transcends mere political controversy, and emphasised that Sikh institutions should be accorded the respect they deserve. Tarun Chugh, the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party and a member of the Rajya Sabha, similarly contended that any individual holding the Chief Minister's office must embody integrity and reverence for the sentiments of the public. He stated, 'Once the highest religious authority of the Sikh Panth itself has pronounced such a grave indictment, Bhagwant Mann no longer possesses even an iota of moral legitimacy to continue in office.'