Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Monday, 15 June demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after the Akal Takht — the highest temporal authority of the Sikh community — declared him 'Guru Dokhi' (one who has betrayed the Guru) and 'Khalsa Panth Virodhi' (opposed to the Khalsa Panth) over a viral video purportedly showing liquor being sprinkled on portraits of Sikh Gurus. The declaration, pronounced unanimously by the five Sikh high priests, also directed members of the Guru Khalsa Panth to sever all association with the Chief Minister.

The Akal Takht's Declaration

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj pronounced the verdict from the podium of the Akal Takht, finding Chief Minister Mann guilty of 'sprinkling alcohol on portraits of Sikh Gurus' as depicted in the video. The five high priests took the decision unanimously, categorising Mann under the gravest religious censure available to Sikh temporal authority. An order was simultaneously issued directing Sikhs of the Guru Khalsa Panth not to maintain any form of association with him.

Notably, Chief Minister Mann has reportedly stated that the video in question is 'neither AI-generated nor doctored,' a claim that has only deepened the controversy. All Sikh lawmakers of the Punjab government were also summoned to appear before the Akal Takht for allegedly hurting the sentiments and interests of the panth by passing a new sacrilege law.

BJP's Demand for Resignation

Dhillon argued in a statement that when 'a person is declared Guru Dokhi and anti-Khalsa Panth by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, it carries serious social and moral consequences.' He further cautioned that Sikh ministers and officials serving within the Punjab government could find themselves 'in an uncomfortable position,' potentially disrupting administrative functioning and decision-making in what he described as a sensitive border state.

'Considering the seriousness of the matter, Chief Minister Mann should accept moral responsibility and resign from his office,' Dhillon said. The BJP's move is the most direct political challenge to Mann's government since the Akal Takht issued its verdict.

Significance of the Akal Takht's Verdict

The Akal Takht holds unparalleled moral and temporal authority within the Sikh faith. Every directive it issues is widely respected and accepted by the Guru Nanak 'naam-leva sangat' — the global Sikh congregation. A declaration of 'Guru Dokhi' carries profound social and religious consequences, historically leading to ostracisation from community life. This is among the most severe censures the institution can impose on an individual.

This comes amid a broader political and religious flashpoint in Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government's recently passed sacrilege law has already drawn the Akal Takht's ire, with all Sikh legislators summoned to account for their role in its passage.

What Happens Next

Chief Minister Mann has not yet publicly responded to the BJP's resignation demand. Political observers note that the AAP government faces a compounding crisis — managing the religious fallout of the Akal Takht's declaration while defending its legislative record on sacrilege. The summoning of all Sikh lawmakers signals that the Akal Takht's scrutiny is likely to intensify in the days ahead, with the political and religious pressure on the Mann government showing no signs of easing.