Ludhiana, January 8: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday said he would appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a “humble Sikh” and accept any direction issued by the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, asserting that its authority stands above all positions and offices.
“I will appear there not as a Chief Minister, but as a devout Sikh. Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh, and its command is supreme for me and my family,” Mann said, requesting that the proceedings be telecast live. He added that he would ensure his presence at the Takht even if it coincided with the President’s visit to Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar.
Mann was speaking at a meeting of newly elected Zila Parishad and Block Samiti members, attended by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and senior party leaders, following the party’s decisive victory in local body polls.
Reiterating his faith, the Chief Minister said, “Any order received from Sri Akal Takht Sahib will be followed in true letter and spirit. It is a source of strength and peace for the Sikh community.”
Kejriwal, addressing the gathering, said the poll outcome showed that fear-based politics had ended in Punjab. “Earlier, false cases and intimidation were common. Today, people are not afraid of the government because they know it exists to serve them,” he said.
He said AAP’s rise marked a shift away from dynasty politics. “More than 90 percent of you come from non-political families. In our party, ordinary people become ministers and chief ministers through work, not lineage,” Kejriwal said.
The AAP leader also claimed that governance reforms had restored trust in the system. “Sixty thousand government jobs have been given without bribes or recommendations. Children of farmers and labourers are now entering services on merit,” he said.
On law and order, Kejriwal said the government would soon intensify action against organised crime. “Just as we took on drug mafias, we will launch a decisive campaign against gangsters and their networks,” he said.
Manish Sisodia assured elected members of full government backing for rural development. “There will be no shortage of funds. Work with panchayats and ensure every family gets health cards without delay,” he said.
Concluding the interaction, Mann urged representatives to remain connected with people. “Local elections are the toughest. You won because you stayed among the people. If you continue doing that, many of you will contest Assembly polls in the future,” he said.
