Youth Akali Dal President Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer strongly condemned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s challenge to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, for a question-and-answer session, stating that this is not only a violation of Sikh maryada (code of conduct) but also an arrogant and insulting attitude toward the highest institutions of the Sikh community.
Jhinjer said that a person who has no understanding of Sikh rehat, maryada, and history has no right to even think of engaging in a question-and-answer with the Jathedar of the highest Sikh Takht. Bhagwant Mann should clearly understand that he has been summoned to the Secretariat by the Jathedar Sahib, not by Sri Akal Takht Sahib itself.
He said that on one hand Bhagwant Mann calls himself a “humble Sikh,” and on the other hand challenges the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib—this exposes his double standards and false persona. Referring to a viral video, which is currently being checked for authenticity, Jhinjer said that Bhagwant Mann is seen behaving disrespectfully with photographs of the Guru Sahiban and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
He said that the video has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments, something no Sikh can tolerate. Recalling the incident at Bargari, where Bhagwant Mann allegedly arrived in an intoxicated state in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the bhog of the martyrs, Jhinjer said this was a direct act of disrespect.
Unfortunately, Bhagwant Mann has not even made the effort to apologize to the Sikh community for this till date. Jhinjer further said that even when Bhagwant Mann was a Member of Parliament, written complaints were submitted to the Speaker by MPs alleging that he came to the Lok Sabha in an intoxicated condition.
A Chief Minister facing such allegations brings disgrace to the dignity of the state. Taking a dig at Bhagwant Mann for insisting that his clarification at the Secretariat office be telecast live on TV channels, Jhinjer said that Bhagwant Mann does not have the stature to even talk about holding a question-and-answer session with the Jathedars of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Issuing an open challenge to Bhagwant Mann, Jhinjer said that if he truly has courage, he should call him to his home. He challenged Mann to an open debate on any five major issues related to Punjab—drugs, education, unemployment, agriculture, and law and order.
“I will answer every question, and you must answer mine. Wisdom is not proven by words, but by truth and actions,” he said. Jhinjer said that Bhagwant Mann has deceived Punjab’s youth, women, farmers, employees, Dalits, and the trading community by making false promises.
The government has completely failed on issues such as drug trafficking, rising crime, cases of sacrilege, and justice. In conclusion, Jhinjer said that although Bhagwant Mann became Chief Minister on the basis of false assurances, in 2027 the people of Punjab will not only deny him their votes but will also ensure that he is left with no face to show in villages and cities.
Drunk on the intoxication of power, Bhagwant Mann’s arrogance has grown to the extent that he now considers himself above even the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib—something the Sikh community will never tolerate.