Akal Takht Declares Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann 'Anti-Panth' Over Viral

The Akal Takht, the supreme authority of the Sikh community, has declared Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as 'anti-Panth' and 'anti-Guru'. This decision was announced on Monday by Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gagdaj from the Akal Takht Secretariat at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The declaration followed a forensic investigation into a viral video allegedly showing CM Mann holding a glass of alcohol in front of a Guru Sahib's image.

Jathedar Kuldeep Singh Gagdaj stated that the video was examined by two reputed forensic labs, which confirmed its authenticity. He said, "The video was not created using artificial intelligence (AI) nor was it edited or tampered with. CM Mann is seen holding a glass of alcohol in front of Guru Sahib's image."

The Akal Takht also summoned all AAP Sikh MLAs from Punjab who had signed laws deemed inappropriate by the Sikh authority. AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu responded to the decision, stating that even if the video is considered genuine, it does not conclusively prove the identity of the person in it.

Earlier, on January 15, 2026, CM Mann had appeared barefoot before the Akal Takht to present his clarification regarding the video. Following this, the Akal Takht decided to conduct a forensic investigation, the results of which were announced on Monday.

Key Points
- Akal Takht declared Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann 'anti-Panth' and 'anti-Guru'.
- Decision based on forensic reports confirming the authenticity of a viral video.
- Video allegedly shows CM Mann holding alcohol in front of Guru Sahib's image.
- AAP spokesperson questioned the conclusiveness of the video's identity.
- CM Mann had appeared before the Akal Takht earlier to clarify his position.