In a significant escalation of tensions between the Akal Takht and the Punjab government, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs has issued a stern warning to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's administration. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj alleged that two centers, one in Mohali and another in Chandigarh, were being utilized to orchestrate a social media campaign aimed at maligning the Akal Takht and other revered Sikh institutions. He further claimed that individuals from Delhi were operating these centers, systematically creating a negative narrative against Sikh religious bodies.
Addressing a Panthic congregation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Gargaj stated, "We have repeatedly brought this issue to the government's notice. We are giving the Punjab government 10 days to stop the people allegedly hired by it who are writing against Sri Akal Takht Sahib. If no action is taken, the Panth will march to these centers and ensure that these operations are shut down."
The Akal Takht's warning comes amid an ongoing dispute with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over various issues, including the enactment of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. This law provides life imprisonment and fines up to ₹25 lakh for acts of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. The Akal Takht has expressed strong objections to several provisions of this law, stating that they interfere with Sikh religious affairs and hurt Sikh sentiments.
In response to the Akal Takht's allegations, AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu denied the existence of any such IT cell or centers. He stated, "We don't have any such center or an IT Cell which was referred to by the Akal Takht Jathedar."
The confrontation between the Akal Takht and the Punjab government has intensified in recent months, with the Akal Takht issuing a 15-day ultimatum to amend the anti-sacrilege law and declaring Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as 'anti-Guru' over an alleged sacrilege video. The current standoff highlights the deepening rift between the Sikh religious leadership and the state government, with significant political and religious implications in Punjab.
The Akal Takht's ultimatum underscores the growing concerns within the Sikh community regarding the perceived interference of the state in religious matters and the protection of Sikh institutions from negative portrayals.