A political and religious controversy has erupted in Punjab after a viral video allegedly showing a man resembling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann consuming alcohol and splashing it on photographs of Sikh Gurus drew criticism from the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs.
The Akal Takht recently described Mann as a "Guru Dokhi" (anti-Guru) and "Khalsa Panth Virodhi" (anti-Khalsa Panth), alleging that he had misled Sikh clergy regarding the authenticity of the video. The Sikh body also called on members of the Sikh community to distance themselves from the chief minister and summoned Sikh legislators and Punjab Cabinet members to appear before it on June 29 in connection with the state's anti-sacrilege legislation.
The controversy stems from a complaint filed earlier this year, which accused Mann of making remarks about "Guru ki Golak" and behaving in an objectionable manner in a video that circulated widely on social media. The footage allegedly shows a man resembling the chief minister consuming alcohol and splashing liquor on framed images of Sikh Gurus and slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Responding to the allegations, Mann categorically denied that he was the individual seen in the video. In a video statement, he said he had already clarified the matter before the Akal Takht in January and maintained that the person in the footage did not match his physical appearance.
"I completely reject this video," Mann said, alleging that political opponents were using the controversy to defame him. While expressing respect for the Akal Takht as a religious institution, he questioned what he described as politically motivated attempts to target him.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj stated that Mann had earlier claimed the video was generated using artificial intelligence. According to Gargajj, the Akal Takht subsequently arranged forensic examinations by two government-recognised laboratories after receiving no response to its request for suggested testing facilities from Mann.
The Akal Takht has claimed that both laboratories concluded the video was genuine and not AI-generated. The Sikh body said it considered the findings serious and reiterated its criticism of the chief minister.
The controversy has triggered reactions across Punjab's political and religious circles, with supporters and critics offering differing interpretations of the video and the forensic findings. As the dispute continues, the matter remains a subject of public and political debate in the state.
Sources: Hindustan Times
