The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, has declared Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura ‘Tankhaiya’, or guilty of religious misconduct, over his alleged remarks against Sikh institutions and respected Sikh personalities.
The decision comes amid a growing controversy over Giaspura’s allegations of caste-based discrimination outside the Akal Takht secretariat at the Sri Darbar Sahib complex earlier this week. The development has also put Punjab’s ruling AAP under pressure, with several party MLAs approaching the Sikh religious institution to apologise over the controversy.
In Sikh religious tradition, a person declared ‘Tankhaiya’ is considered to have violated the Sikh code of conduct. The individual is expected to seek forgiveness before the Sangat, or Sikh congregation, in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. The religious penalty may include acts of service, such as cleaning gurdwaras and washing utensils.
AAP MLAs Apologise At Akal Takht Secretariat
The controversy intensified on Monday when Giaspura, who represents the Payal Assembly constituency in Ludhiana district, alleged that he had faced caste-based discrimination outside the Akal Takht secretariat.
On Thursday, several AAP MLAs visited the secretariat to express regret over the allegations and seek forgiveness.
According to a statement issued by the Akal Takht secretariat, the legislators admitted their mistake, sought forgiveness from the Guru Sahib and distanced themselves from Giaspura’s remarks, stating that the comments represented his personal views.
The episode has brought renewed attention to the relationship between the AAP government and Sikh religious institutions in Punjab.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of an earlier dispute between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Akal Takht.
In January, Mann appeared before the religious body after being summoned over alleged objectionable remarks concerning Sikh devotees. He was also questioned about a video purportedly showing a person resembling him sprinkling alcohol on images of Sikh gurus.
Mann denied the allegation, claiming that the video had been generated using artificial intelligence.
However, the Akal Takht later stated that it had not received supporting evidence from the chief minister and that forensic examinations had found the videos to be genuine.
In June, the Akal Takht declared Mann ‘Guru Dokhi’, a term referring to someone considered to have acted against the Guru, and called on the Sikh community, or Panth, to distance itself from him.
The controversy comes at a time when the AAP government is facing criticism over drug-related issues and law and order in Punjab, including the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa.
The apology by AAP legislators could also provide opposition parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal and Waris Punjab De, an opportunity to strengthen their appeal among Sikh voters and question the ruling party’s approach towards Sikh religious institutions.
With Punjab expected to go to Assembly polls in the coming months, the developments surrounding the Akal Takht and the AAP leadership could become a significant issue in the state’s political debate.