Bhagwant Mann and Akal Takht Clash Over Time of CM’s Summons Appearance

A new dispute has arisen between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority in Sikhism, over the rescheduling of Mann's appearance before the Akal Takht clergy. The Chief Minister has been summoned to clarify his alleged "anti-Sikh" statements and conduct, but conflicting accounts regarding the timing of the meeting have escalated tensions between the state government and the revered Sikh institution.

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Akal Takht Secretariat released a statement announcing that Mann's appearance, originally scheduled for 10 am on Thursday, January 15, had been postponed to 4:30 pm on the same day. The secretariat explicitly stated that the change was made at the request of the chief minister, who reportedly cited prior official engagements that prevented him from attending the morning session. The announcement was intended to accommodate Mann while ensuring the matter proceeded without further delay.

However, Bhagwant Mann swiftly rejected the claim, denying that he or his office had made any such request for a time change. In a public response, the chief minister asserted that the Akal Takht Secretariat's statement was inaccurate and that no communication seeking a rescheduling had originated from his side. Mann's denial has fuelled speculation about possible miscommunication or differing interpretations of discussions between the two parties, adding a layer of controversy to an already sensitive summons.

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The Akal Takht had summoned Mann following concerns raised by Sikh organizations and community members over certain remarks and decisions attributed to him, which some have described as disrespectful or contrary to Sikh principles. The appearance is seen as an opportunity for the chief minister to present his position before the five-member jathedar-led panel and address the allegations directly. The development comes amid ongoing political scrutiny of Mann's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, where religious sensitivities often intersect with governance issues.

The episode has drawn attention across Punjab, with Sikh community leaders, political observers, and social media users closely following the exchange. As the revised time of 4:30 pm on January 15 approaches, both sides are expected to clarify their positions further. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for the relationship between the Punjab government and the Sikh religious establishment, particularly at a time when public trust and communal harmony remain key priorities in the state.

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