Saptrishi Soni
The controversy surrounding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has intensified, with fresh posters calling for his social boycott appearing at multiple locations across the state. The development comes amid sustained criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), over allegations that they claim hurt Sikh religious sentiments.
The latest posters, which have surfaced in Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Amritsar and several other districts, refer to the June 15 directive issued from the Akal Takht. The edict had described the Chief Minister as “Guru Dokhi” (anti-Guru) and “Khalsa Panth Virodhi” (anti-Khalsa Panth) in connection with a controversial video that allegedly contained objectionable material relating to Sikh religious figures.
According to information shared by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the hoardings have been installed to inform the Sikh community about the directives issued by the Akal Takht regarding the matter. Several of these boards have reportedly been erected at prominent public locations, particularly near gurdwaras and busy roads in Hoshiarpur district, with similar displays also reported from other parts of Punjab.
The controversy has its roots in allegations surrounding a purported video clip that allegedly featured images of Sikh Gurus alongside slain militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The Akal Takht had earlier summoned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in January over the issue. The Sikh clergy also accused him of making remarks concerning “Guru Ki Golak” (the donation box in gurdwaras), allegations that later became part of the larger religious and political dispute.
However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has consistently rejected all allegations. He has maintained that the controversial video was fabricated and that he has never disrespected Sikh religious traditions or institutions. Mann has alleged that the video was deliberately edited and circulated to tarnish his image and mislead the public.
The Punjab Chief Minister has also pointed to legal action taken in the matter. According to his government, a First Information Report (FIR) has already been registered regarding the circulation of the alleged manipulated video, and investigations are underway to identify those responsible for creating and disseminating the content.
The issue has gradually evolved into a major political flashpoint in Punjab. The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal have repeatedly targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government, accusing the Chief Minister of hurting Sikh sentiments and demanding accountability. The opposition has used the controversy to sharpen its political attack on the ruling dispensation ahead of future electoral battles.
On the other hand, the Aam Aadmi Party has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Party leaders argue that the controversy is being exploited by opposition parties to create communal and political divisions, while insisting that the Chief Minister holds the highest respect for Sikh traditions and institutions.
Political observers believe the emergence of boycott posters marks a significant escalation in the controversy, as it brings the dispute from the political arena into the public domain through symbolic campaigns across the state. The appearance of such hoardings at multiple locations suggests that the issue continues to resonate among sections of the Sikh community even as the government contests the allegations.
With the opposition maintaining pressure, religious bodies standing by their earlier directives, and the state government firmly denying any wrongdoing while relying on the ongoing police investigation, the controversy remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in Punjab. The outcome of the investigation into the alleged video and the continuing public campaign are expected to play an important role in shaping the political discourse in the state in the coming months.
