All posts tagged: Akal

‘Not me’: Punjab CM denies that he is the person in a video that provoked the wrath of the Akal Takht

‘Not me’: Punjab CM denies that he is the person in a video that provoked the wrath of the Akal Takht

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann addresses a press conference, in Chandigarh, Punjab, on June 16, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) denied allegations that he is the person in a controversial video that hurt Sikh sentiments, a day after the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht declared him ‘Guru dokhi’ (anti-Guru) and ‘Khalsa Panth virodhi’ (anti-Khalsa Panth). The Akal Takht is the highest seat of temporal authority for the Sikh community. Dismissing the video as “fake”, Mr. Mann said “a malicious and politically motivated conspiracy” was being executed at the behest of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal to defame him and derail his Aam Aadmi Party-led government’s pro-people decisions. ‘Smear campaign’ Describing the episode as a desperate attempt by vested interests rattled by the government’s tough anti-beadbi (sacrilege) legislation and pro-Punjab decisions, the Chief Minister said certain politically influenced functionaries were being used to spread false propaganda against him. Mr. Mann said that while he holds Akal Takht Sahib in the highest esteem and …

Punjab CM Mann appears before Akal Takht Secretariat to clarify remarks on Sikh traditions

Punjab CM Mann appears before Akal Takht Secretariat to clarify remarks on Sikh traditions

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday (January 15, 2026) appeared before the Akal Takht Secretariat here after being summoned by the highest temporal seat for the Sikhs for his alleged remarks on Sikh traditions and tenets, and submitted his clarification. Before appearing before the Takht Secretariat, where he was present for more than an hour, Mr. Mann offered prayers at the Golden Temple. The Chief Minister later told mediapersons that he has submitted his clarifications to the acting jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj. Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh was present along with jathedar Gargajj at the Secretariat, sources said. Mr. Mann, who carried a suitcase containing some documents which he submitted at the venue, said, “As per the orders of the Jathedar Sahib, I appeared here as a humble Sikh and submitted my explanation in response to the queries raised”. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme authority for the entire Sikh community, and it is supreme for me as well. The Jathedar Sahib recorded my statement, and …

Punjab CM Mann requests Akal Takht to allow live telecast of his appearance before it on Jan 15| India News

Punjab CM Mann requests Akal Takht to allow live telecast of his appearance before it on Jan 15| India News

Chandigarh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday requested the Akal Takht jathedar to allow ‘live telecast’ of his appearance before the Akal Takht Secretariat after being summoned on January 15. Punjab CM Mann requests Akal Takht to allow live telecast of his appearance before it on Jan 15 In a post on X, Mann claimed he has been receiving messages from all over the world that when he presents his account on January 15 on behalf of the ‘Sangat’ , it should be telecast live on all television channels. Underscoring the sentiments of the ‘Sangat’, Mann said he is requesting the Akhal Takht jathedar that his clarification be broadcast live so that the ‘Sangat’ can stay informed about every detail. “See you on January 15 – with evidence included,” Mann said in the post. The acting jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, on Monday summoned Mann to appear in person before the Takht Secretariat on January 15 to clarify his alleged “anti-Sikh” remarks. Gargajj summoned Mann for allegedly making comments on …

‘Anti-Sikh’ Remark Row: Bhagwant Mann To Appear Before Akal Takht On Jan 15, Seeks Live Telecast | India News

‘Anti-Sikh’ Remark Row: Bhagwant Mann To Appear Before Akal Takht On Jan 15, Seeks Live Telecast | India News

Last Updated:January 08, 2026, 12:40 IST On January 15, Bhagwant Mann’s barefoot entry into the Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar will be a historic moment in Punjab’s politics. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. (PTI file photo) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reacted after being summoned by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib over alleged “anti-Sikh” remarks. In a post on X, Mann said he was receiving messages from the members of the Sikh community across the world asking that proceedings on January 15 be broadcast live.  He requested the Jathedar Sahib to allow a live telecast of his clarification so that the sangat could remain connected and informed “moment by moment and account for every rupee”. He added that he would appear on January 15 with evidence. On January 15, Bhagwant Mann’s barefoot entry into the Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar will be a historic moment in Punjab’s politics. Built by Guru Hargobind in the 17th century, the Akal Takht represents the Sikh principle of Miri-Piri, which links spiritual authority with temporal power. While many …

Akshay Kumar says Shah Rukh Khan is ‘shakal se 40, akal se 120′ on his 60th birthday; Karan Johar calls him ‘an emotion’

Akshay Kumar says Shah Rukh Khan is ‘shakal se 40, akal se 120′ on his 60th birthday; Karan Johar calls him ‘an emotion’

As actor Shah Rukh Khan on Monday clocked his 60th birthday, many celebrities, including Anupam Kher, Kajol, Akshay Kumar, and Mahesh Babu, wished him. Taking to their respective social media platforms, they posted videos, shared old photos and penned sweet notes for the actor. Akshay Kumar and Karan Johar wished Shah Rukh Khan on his 60th birthday. Akshay Kumar, Kajol wish Shah Rukh Khan on 60th birthday Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Akshay Kumar posted an old black and white picture featuring himself and Shah Rukh. Both of them were seen smiling. He wrote, “Many, many congratulations on your special day, Shahrukh. 60 ka lagta nahi hai vaise tu kahin se. Shakal se 40, akal se 120 (You don’t look like you’re 60 at all. You look like you are 40, and your wisdom is as if you are 120) (winking face emoji). Happy Birthday dost (friend). Stay blessed @iamsrk.” Kajol posted photos with Shah Rukh in which they posed for selfies. He was also seen hugging her. She captioned the post, “Happy happy 60th …

1984 anti-Sikh Riots | Amitabh Bachchan ‘unexonerated’ in eyes of Sikh community: Akal Takht Jathedar | Chandigarh News

1984 anti-Sikh Riots | Amitabh Bachchan ‘unexonerated’ in eyes of Sikh community: Akal Takht Jathedar | Chandigarh News

Actor Amitabh Bachchan remains “unexonerated” in the “eyes of the Sikh conscience” in a matter pertaining to the 1984 ant-Sikh riots, as the allegations made against have never been investigated by the government or its agencies, Akal Takht’s acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj Saturday said. stated that Bollywood “Although Amitabh Bachchan had tried to absolve himself of the allegations by writing a letter to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the testimony of eyewitness Manjit Singh Saini has never been investigated by the government or its agencies. Therefore, in the eyes of the Sikh conscience, Amitabh Bachchan still stands unexonerated,” Jathedar Gargajj said. Referring to the recent controversy surrounding Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh touching Bachchan’s feet during a TV show, the Jathedar said that such gestures hurt Sikh sentiments. He said that individuals and Congress leaders whose names have been linked to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots should be socially and morally boycotted by Sikh community. “Associating with them would is akin to rubbing salt on the deep wounds of the Sikh community,” he added. Story continues …

SRK’s SAVAGE reply to troll questioning his looks and stardom WINS hearts: ‘Akal hai ya…’

SRK’s SAVAGE reply to troll questioning his looks and stardom WINS hearts: ‘Akal hai ya…’

SRK’s SAVAGE reply to troll questioning his looks and stardom WINS hearts: ‘Akal hai ya…’ Ahead of his 60th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan won hearts with his witty replies during a fun #AskSRK session on X. From shutting down trolls to joking about waving from Mannat, the superstar proved his charm is timeless, Read further for highlights from the session. Shah Rukh Khan may be turning 60, but his trademark wit and charm remain unmatched. Ahead of his birthday on November 2, the superstar hosted a fun #AskSRK session on X (formerly Twitter), where he interacted with fans and gave some hilarious replies. One user tried to troll him by saying, “You don’t have any talent or good looks. How did you become a star? I look better than you, but no one knows me.” SRK, known for his quick humor, responded perfectly: “Bhai, shakal to theek hai… akal ka nahi bola tumne! Wo hai ya??” (Brother, looks are fine, but you didn’t mention brains! Do you have any?). His …

Amid SAD membership drive, Akal Takht panel member Ayali talks about SGPC polls | Chandigarh News

Amid SAD membership drive, Akal Takht panel member Ayali talks about SGPC polls | Chandigarh News

Shiromani Akali Dal MLA and one of the five members of the Akal Takht panel to run the membership drive for the ‘party,’ Manpreet Singh Ayali, said Tuesday he and his colleagues have been following the instructions of the supreme temporal seat of the Sikhs to enrol new members. In December last year, the Akal Takht formed the panel for the reorganisation of the SAD through a new membership drive to elect new delegates and a president. However, the SAD working committee declined to allow the Akal Takht panel to run the membership drive, citing legal technicalities involving the Election Commission of India. The SAD panel then ran the drive on its own, and claimed to have recruited around 32 lakh members in a month. The SAD concluded its one-month-long drive on February 20, but Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has not recognised it. The party started the process of electing delegates Tuesday, after which a president will also be chosen. Story continues below this ad Talking to The Indian Express, Ayali said that …

Rebel Akali leader Wadala meets Akal Takht Jathedar over SAD’s membership drive | Latest News India

Rebel Akali leader Wadala meets Akal Takht Jathedar over SAD’s membership drive | Latest News India

Chandigarh, Rebel Akali leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala on Thursday met the Akal Takht Jathedar seeking clarification regarding the supervision of the new membership drive of the Shiromani Akali Dal. Rebel Akali leader Wadala meets Akal Takht Jathedar over SAD’s membership drive After the meeting, Wadala claimed that it was only the seven-member committee, formed by the Akal Takht on December 2, which could undertake the membership drive of the 104-year-old political outfit. Wadala approached Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh in Amritsar after expressing resentment against the SAD leadership for not complying with the edict pronounced on December 2 by the highest temporal seat of Sikhs. While pronouncing religious punishment for SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and other leaders for the “mistakes” committed by the SAD and its government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017 on December 2 last year, the Akal Takht had also formed a seven-member committee for starting the membership drive and holding the elections for the post of party president and other office bearers within six months. However, the SAD working …

Express view: In Akal Takht’s rebuke to SAD, atonement meets public spectacle

Express view: In Akal Takht’s rebuke to SAD, atonement meets public spectacle

Dec 4, 2024 05:30 IST First published on: Dec 4, 2024 at 05:30 IST Share The spectacle of Shiromani Akali Dal leaders, heads bowed and hands folded, submitting to an inquisition at the Akal Takht, the highest spiritual and temporal authority of the Sikhs, may have seemed to many a deserved comeuppance. For a party that has been marginalised in every election since 2017, this was both a reminder of its steep fall, and a moment of reckoning. Once a powerful political player that made history by winning two consecutive elections in 2007 and 2012 in alliance with the BJP, the Akali Dal’s decline was swift, fuelled by its failures to address Punjab’s deepening crises. It was also due to its presiding over a spate of sacrilege incidents and unabated drug trafficking that is taking a mounting toll on the state’s young. The three farm laws enacted by its alliance partner in 2020 dealt another crippling blow to the party. The laws that were later repealed not only ended its over two-decade-long alliance with the …