Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday responded to the recent decision of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, rejecting the allegations against him and describing them as a "false propaganda campaign" aimed at tarnishing his image.
Addressing the controversy, Mann said he was "shocked" that people holding high religious positions were allegedly spreading misinformation under political influence. He claimed that attempts were being made to defame him because of his decisions to safeguard Punjab's water resources, uphold the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, and protect the interests of farmers and the state's youth.
The Chief Minister also referred to the directives issued by the Akal Takht Jathedar over an alleged viral video. Mann maintained that the video was not AI-generated but insisted that the person seen in it was not him.
He said that when he was previously summoned before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, he had clearly stated that the individual in the video did not match his physical appearance or body structure.
The clarification comes a day after Akal Takht Sahib declared Mann "Panth Dhokhi" (anti-Panth) and "Guru Dhokhi" (anti-Guru) following an inquiry into an alleged viral video linked to the Chief Minister.
Reiterating his faith in the institution, Mann said religion should not be used for political purposes. He added that he considers Sri Akal Takht Sahib the highest spiritual authority and bows his head before it with utmost respect, stating that neither he nor generations of his family could ever think of confronting the revered institution, even in their dreams.
