The political row involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann intensified on Monday after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Sikh Union ministers in the Union government would avoid meeting him until he complies with directives issued by the Akal Takht and issues a formal apology. The development has added fresh political tension in Punjab and drawn attention to the intersection of religion and state politics in the ongoing dispute. Mann, however, has denied the allegations and has not indicated any willingness to step down or apologise.

Punjab BJP chief Keval Singh Dhillon said the party holds the Akal Takht in the highest regard, describing it as the supreme religious authority for Sikhs whose directives must be respected. He argued that the current controversy centres around adherence to these religious instructions and claimed that political leaders must act in accordance with them. His remarks reflect the BJP’s broader position that the issue extends beyond political disagreement and involves religious authority.

Dhillon further escalated the party’s stance by urging Bhagwant Mann to resign from his position and seek forgiveness from the Akal Takht. He maintained that there is no higher authority for Sikhs than the Akal Takht and reiterated that its directives must be followed without exception. He also warned that Sikh ministers serving in the Union government would not engage in meetings with the Punjab Chief Minister until he accepts the directives and issues a public apology.

The statement marks a significant hardening of the BJP’s position, potentially affecting administrative and political engagement between the Punjab government and certain Union ministers. By linking official meetings to compliance with religious directives, the party has added a sensitive dimension to an already heated political controversy.

The issue has further deepened the political divide in Punjab, where religious institutions often play an influential role in public and political discourse. While the BJP has intensified its criticism, Bhagwant Mann’s response and any official clarification from the Akal Takht are expected to shape the direction of the controversy in the coming days. Analysts suggest the situation could have wider implications for Centre–state relations if the standoff continues.