Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann faces rising political pressure following a declaration by Akal Takht.
The controversy escalated after he was declared guilty of religious misconduct.
Subsequently, the Congress party intensified its demand for his resignation.
Punjab Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa directly targeted AAP and its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.
He questioned whether Kejriwal would ask Bhagwant Mann to step down from the post.
Congress demands moral resignation from Bhagwant Mann
Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa posted his statement on social media platform X. He stated that millions of Sikhs worldwide feel deep pain and anger over the Akal Takht decision. Therefore, he argued that Bhagwant Mann should resign on moral grounds.
Additionally, he demanded clarity from Arvind Kejriwal regarding a possible resignation request.
He emphasized that Punjab wants to know AAP’s stance on Akal Takht’s authority.
Moreover, he accused the party of silence driven by political survival concerns.
Congress intensifies allegations against Punjab CM
Earlier, Punjab Congress also made strong claims on the same platform. The party stated that Akal Takht declared Bhagwant Mann as “Guru-drohi” and “Panth-virodhi”.
Furthermore, it said the decision followed forensic examination of a reported video. According to Congress, Akal Takht urged Sikh community members to avoid contact with Mann.
The party argued that he has lost moral authority to continue as Chief Minister.
Consequently, Congress demanded his immediate resignation from office.
Background of Akal Takht ruling and appeal
On Monday, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj issued the decision against Bhagwant Mann. He declared Mann guilty of religious misconduct based on a viral video claim.
The allegation involved disrespect toward images of Sikh Gurus through alcohol use. Additionally, Akal Takht labeled him as “Guru-drohi” and “Khalsa Panth-virodhi”.
It urged Sikhs to end all social and religious relations with him.
Moreover, Sikh legislators and ministers have been asked to appear before Akal Takht on 29 June.
