Lok Sabha MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla on Thursday urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to respect the verdict pronounced by the five Sikh high priests of Sri Akal Takht Sahib on June 15, resign from his post and appear before the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs to seek forgiveness.
Addressing a press conference here, Aujla also strongly criticised the Maharashtra Government's alleged attempts to interfere in the affairs of the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Management Board, Nanded, and called for maintaining the autonomy of Sikh religious institutions.
Referring to a controversial video that surfaced on January 15, 2026, Aujla said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had appeared before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and claimed that the video had been generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and that he had no role in it. He said the Sikh high priests had adopted a fair and impartial approach and advised the government to get the video examined by any credible and independent agency.
Aujla said the Chief Minister was given nearly six months to substantiate his claim, but no conclusive investigation capable of dispelling the doubts of the Sikh community was presented during that period. In today's technological age, he added, the truth cannot remain concealed indefinitely nor can repeated explanations and shifting narratives settle such a serious issue.He alleged that by making false submissions before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Bhagwant Mann had committed a grave religious misconduct.
According to Aujla, the Sikh high priests delivered their verdict after considering technical reports, available evidence and the sentiments of the Sikh community.The MP further alleged that instead of accepting the verdict, acknowledging the mistake and seeking forgiveness, leaders, spokespersons and ministers of the Aam Aadmi Party continued to challenge the authority of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, thereby damaging their own credibility.
Aujla also referred to a press conference held by the Chief Minister on June 19, during which Mann reiterated that the individual seen in the controversial video was not him. He said questions had subsequently been raised about the credibility of certain reports relied upon by the government, leading to further debate over their impartiality and reliability.
Emphasising the significance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Aujla said it remains the supreme temporal authority of the Sikh Panth and every Sikh is duty-bound to respect its decisions. "The community's responsibility is to comply with the directives issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib rather than engage in arguments over them.
The authority to pronounce such decisions rests solely with the Sikh high priests," he said.He added that if Bhagwant Mann publicly acknowledges that his position as Chief Minister is a blessing bestowed through the grace of the Guru, he should also display the humility to accept the verdict of the Panth's highest institution.
Aujla maintained that instead of clinging to office, the Chief Minister should appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and present his case. He warned that challenging religious institutions or viewing their decisions through a political lens was detrimental to the Sikh community.
The Congress MP also condemned the use of derogatory language against the Sikh high priests by Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Differences of opinion over any decision, he said, cannot justify language that undermines the dignity and sanctity of religious offices and institutions.
Responding to questions regarding the summoning of certain Punjab Police officers by Gurugram Police in connection with the video controversy, Aujla said the law must be allowed to take its own course. He stressed that all individuals should be treated equally before the law, irrespective of their office or influence.
Raising another issue, Aujla expressed concern over reported attempts by the Maharashtra Government to amend provisions relating to the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Management Board under the 1956 Act. He alleged that the proposed changes were aimed at increasing government intervention and enhancing the number of nominated members, which could undermine the autonomy of Sikh institutions.
He recalled that a similar attempt had been made in 2024 but had to be withdrawn following strong opposition from the Sikh community and devotees. Any future reforms, he said, should emerge through consultations with Sikh institutions, Jathedars and Panthic representatives rather than through unilateral government action.
Aujla also appealed to BJP leaders in Punjab and at the national level not to allow the issue to become a matter of political bargaining. Matters involving Sikh religious sentiments, he said, require transparency, fairness and sensitivity.
Concluding, the MP said there was an urgent need to keep religion and politics separate. He asserted that he would continue to raise his voice at every democratic and constitutional forum to safeguard the autonomy, dignity and independence of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Management Board and other Sikh institutions.