Bhagwant Mann Leaves For Bengaluru Detox Programme Amid Akal Takht Row

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann left for Bengaluru on Thursday morning to attend a four-day detox programme at a private wellness institute. According to sources, Mann boarded a flight at around 7.30 am and is expected to return to Punjab on Monday, although his stay could be extended. Government sources maintained that the visit had been planned in advance and was not connected to the ongoing political and religious controversy surrounding him.

The visit comes a day after the chief minister launched the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana in his home constituency of Dhuri. Under the state government's flagship welfare scheme, financial assistance was credited to nearly 36 lakh women beneficiaries across Punjab. Mann participated in the programme before departing for Bengaluru, where he is expected to undergo a routine detox and wellness programme.

The timing of the visit has attracted attention as Mann has recently faced criticism from the Akal Takht. The Sikh temporal body declared him a "Guru dokhi" (anti-Guru) and "Khalsa panth virodhi" (anti-Khalsa community) following a video message in which he criticised its directions to Punjab legislators regarding amendments to the state's anti-sacrilege law. The issue has since become a major topic of political debate, with Opposition parties intensifying their criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

Also Read: AAP Bets Big on Welfare as Punjab Elections Loom

This is not the first time Mann has travelled to Bengaluru for a detox programme. In October 2022, just months after taking office as chief minister, he visited a private wellness facility in the city amid speculation about his health and drinking habits. At the time, videos circulating on social media had prompted political attacks, with opponents questioning his health during public appearances.

The Aam Aadmi Party had then clarified that the chief minister was undergoing a routine health check-up and detox programme. After returning from that visit, Mann resumed his official responsibilities and later publicly stated that he had given up alcohol. The party maintained that the earlier visit was purely related to health and not linked to any political developments.

Officials have reiterated that the current Bengaluru trip was scheduled well in advance and should not be viewed in connection with the recent controversy involving the Akal Takht. While Mann remains under political scrutiny over the issue, the Punjab government has continued to emphasise its governance and welfare initiatives, with the chief minister expected to resume official duties after completing the programme.

Also Read: Akal Takht's Directive on Sacrilege Law Puts AAP Government Under Pressure