Chandigarh, June 24 (IANS) Former Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday said in a social media post regarding the Chief Minister’s viral video that the issue “is not political but one connected with religious sentiments”.

In his detailed message on X, Jakhar wrote: “Bhagwant Mann’s viral video is not a political issue at all. It concerns the religious sentiments of the Nanak Naam Leva Sangat. The real issue is how an arrogant individual is challenging the supreme Sri Akal Takht Sahib.”

He added that despite everything that has happened, if a person accused of disrespecting the Guru Sahiban continues to remain in power on the land of the Gurus, it raises questions about how Punjab will be able to raise its voice against challenges to faith worldwide.

“Can a Sikh tolerate this?” he asked.

Jakhar further said: “And Bhagwant Mann-ji, if you want to leave the decision to the people, then just as Arvind Kejriwal sought a mandate from the people in Delhi (and the people sent him home), you should resign and go before the people and see for yourself. Sikhs of the Guru follow the teaching, ‘Sees Diya Par Sirar Na Diya’ (‘One may give one’s head, but never surrender one’s principles or honour’). This grave sin cannot be escaped through the power of office. For a Sikh, there is no one above the Guru. The Guru Sahib and the Sangat will deliver justice.”

The former Punjab BJP chief said it was deeply unfortunate that a person born on the soil of Punjab and familiar with its religion and history had become so intoxicated by power that he was challenging Sri Akal Takht Sahib.

He added that whoever had confronted Sri Akal Takht Sahib in the past had eventually lost their very existence.

A controversy has erupted in Punjab over a viral video allegedly showing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in a manner disrespectful to Sikh religious symbols.

The Akal Takht declared the video “authentic” and labelled Mann as “Guru Dokhi”.

Opposition parties, including the BJP, have demanded his resignation.

The situation escalated further with allegations of a fabricated forensic report being produced to clear the CM, leading to arrests by Haryana Police.

–IANS

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