Face2News/Chandigarh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann put to rest all speculation around his appearance before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, stating unequivocally that neither he nor his office has sought any change in timing and that January 15 has been kept entirely free to comply with the Sri Takht Sahib's directions. Asserting that he will present himself with full humility, the Chief Minister underscored that no official communication seeking a rescheduling has been issued and that the entire day stands exclusively dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, whose orders, he said, are supreme and will be followed in letter and spirit.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I will appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a devout Sikh and there is no question whatsoever of seeking any change in the timing.” He said January 15 has been fully dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, in accordance with the orders of the Jathedar, and that he has no other programme scheduled for the day. “I have even informed the office of the President of India about my inability to attend her event on that day, as January 15 is reserved entirely for appearing before Sri Akal Takht Sahib,” he said.
The Chief Minister further stated, “No official letter or statement has been issued by me or by my office seeking any change in the time.” He added that he was ready to appear before the Takht with utmost humility on January 15, without any alteration. Emphasising the sanctity of the institution, he said, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and is regarded as the highest temporal seat of our community.”
Reiterating his complete reverence for the authority of the Takht, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed.” He added, “Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is above everything for me. Any order received from that sacred Takht will be followed in true letter and spirit. The command of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Ji is, was, and will always remain supreme for me and my family.”
