Akal Takht summons: Mann denies seeking time change for Jan 15 meet

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann denied asking for a time change to appear before the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, stating he is ready for the original 10 am slot on Jan 15. This contradicts a notice from the Sikh body which rescheduled him to 4:30 pm.

Conflicting Claims Over Appearance Time

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday claimed that he did not demand a change of time for appearing before the Sri Akal Takht Sahib after being summoned for alleged statements against 'Guru ki Golak'. Bhagwant Mann, in an X post, stated that he is ready to be present at 10 am on January 15 as demanded by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib. "Respected Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji, I have no other engagements on January 15; I have also provided information at the office of the Honourable President Ji. The day of January 15 is fully dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with your Ji's orders. No official letter or statement regarding the change of time has been issued from my side or my office. I am ready to be present with humility at 10 AM on January 15, Ji. Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh," he wrote on X.

This comes after the Akal Takht Secretariat, in a notice, said that Bhagwant Mann had cited prior engagements and sought a change of timings. The Sikh body had then asked the Punjab CM to appear at 4:30 pm on January 15 instead of 10 am. "Secretariat Sri Akal Takht Sahib letter No. A: T/26/561 dated 05 January 2026 invited you to give your explanation on 15 January 2026 at 10.00 AM at Secretariat, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Sri Amritsar, but in the statement issued by you in this regard, you have referred to your engagements. Therefore, as per the order issued by Respected Singh Sahib Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji, it is written that you now have to reach the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib at 04.30 PM on 15 January 2026 to give your explanation. With thanks," the Secretariat wrote in the notice.

Mann's Request for Live Broadcast

Earlier, on January 8, Bhagwant Mann had asked the Jathedar to live broadcast his clarification on January 15. Mann wrote on X, "I am receiving messages from all over the world that on January 15, when we go with the account of the Golak on behalf of the sangat, it should be a live telecast on all channels... Understanding the sentiments of the sangat from around the world, I too request the Jathedar Sahib that my clarification be directly broadcast, so that the sangat can stay connected moment by moment and penny by penny in the accounting. See you on January 15 with evidence included." (ANI)

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