SGPC seeks Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s resignation, demands FIR over viral video controversy

The General House of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday, June 27, passed a resolution demanding the immediate resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the ongoing controversy surrounding a purported viral video, while also directing its executive committee to pursue the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him.

Reading out the resolution, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the Chief Minister had failed to provide what the SGPC described as a satisfactory or factual explanation regarding the alleged video. The resolution termed the episode a “grave mistake” and asserted that Mann had lost the moral authority to continue in office.

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According to the resolution, the alleged video has triggered widespread anger among the Sikh community across the world. The meeting was attended by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, and the General House endorsed the action already initiated by the Akal Takht in issuing a notice to the Chief Minister over the matter.

The SGPC also criticised what it described as the Punjab government’s confrontational approach towards the Akal Takht. It is alleged that, in an attempt to defend himself, the Chief Minister misused official machinery and government influence to obtain a fabricated forensic report from a laboratory in Gurugram. The resolution further referred to media statements allegedly made by Jaspreet Singh, associated with the laboratory, and noted that an FIR had been registered by the Haryana Police in connection with the matter.

The General House resolved that an SGPC delegation would meet the Punjab Director General of Police to seek criminal proceedings against Mann and his associates. It alleged misuse of constitutional office, use of government resources to create false evidence, suppression of evidence, and hurting religious sentiments, among other charges.

The SGPC also announced that it would launch a statewide awareness campaign across Punjab in line with the directives of the Akal Takht. It said Sikh preachers would visit constituencies across the state to inform the Sangat about the issue and encourage them to uphold the Akal Takht’s directives.

Appealing to Sikh religious institutions, gurdwara management committees, and members of the Khalsa Panth, the SGPC urged them to oppose the Chief Minister in order to safeguard Sikh religious traditions and Maryada under the guidance of the Akal Takht.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he is not the person seen in the purported viral video and alleging that attempts are being made to malign his image.