Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is facing mounting political pressure on 16 June after the Akal Takht — the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community — declared him guilty of religious misconduct over a viral video that purportedly shows him sprinkling liquor on portraits of Sikh Gurus. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress have condemned the act and endorsed his labelling as 'Guru Drohi' and 'anti-Khalsa Panth', demanding his immediate removal from office.

What the Viral Video Allegedly Shows

The objectionable video, which surfaced several months ago, reportedly shows Mann in an allegedly intoxicated state, sprinkling liquor on images of Sikh Gurus — an act widely regarded as sacrilegious by the Sikh community. According to the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the video has been verified and certified as authentic by at least two forensic laboratories. The Jathedar declared Mann guilty of religious misconduct on Monday, following a formal inquiry process.

BJP Calls for Immediate Resignation

BJP spokesperson Tarun Chugh pressed for Mann's resignation, stating: 'Akal Takht is the highest revered body of Sikhs. The Sikh community follows its guidance in religious matters. The videos of Bhagwant Mann that have surfaced and the findings of the inquiry are condemnable and unfortunate. After the order of Akal Takht, Bhagwant Mann must resign.'

BJP leader R.P. Singh called upon Mann's cabinet ministers to 'ostracise' him for allegedly maligning the Sikh faith. Punjab BJP Vice President Fateh Jang Singh Bajwa directed his demand at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal, saying: 'Arvind Kejriwal should immediately remove him from the Chief Minister's chair. Because if you do not respect the Sikh Panth, if you do not respect Akal Takht Sahib, then do whatever you want — but how will you face the people in Punjab?'

Congress Joins the Condemnation

Congress leader Surendra Rajput also condemned Mann's alleged conduct, framing it as reflective of the AAP's broader character. 'The Sikh Sahiban have taken an appropriate decision. The kind of behaviour and language used by Bhagwant Mann regarding the Gurus reflects the character and conduct of the Aam Aadmi Party. People of Punjab will give a befitting reply to AAP for insulting Punjab and its Punjabiyat,' he said.

Akal Takht's Broader Summons

Beyond declaring Mann 'anti-Panth', the Akal Takht has also summoned all Sikh lawmakers of the state over the passage of a new sacrilege law last year — widening the religious authority's scrutiny beyond the Chief Minister alone. This marks a significant escalation in the standoff between the AAP government in Punjab and the Sikh religious establishment.

Political Fallout and What Comes Next

The controversy places the AAP in a difficult position in a state where the Sikh community forms a decisive political constituency. Critics argue that the dual condemnation from both the BJP and Congress — parties that are otherwise rivals — signals the depth of the political damage. Mann has not yet publicly responded to the Akal Takht's declaration or the resignation demands. With the Akal Takht's summons to Sikh legislators still pending, the episode is unlikely to recede quickly from Punjab's political landscape.