Chandigarh, 17 June (H.S.): Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party President Sardar Kewal Singh Dhillon on Wednesday targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his stand regarding Sri Akal Takht Sahib, saying that the sanctity and authority of the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs is above any political post.

Dhillon said that if Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh could bow his head before Sri Akal Takht Sahib, then Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should also do the same. He questioned whether the arrogance of power had become greater than the dignity of the Guru’s institution. He said the status of Sri Akal Takht Sahib was higher than the chair of any Chief Minister and would remain so forever.

Referring to history, Dhillon said Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great ruler before whom even the Afghans and Mughals trembled, and under whose leadership Punjab emerged as a powerful empire. However, when Sri Akal Takht Sahib summoned him, he appeared not as an emperor but as a humble servant of the Guru’s house.

Dhillon said Jathedar Akali Baba Phula Singh Ji had once declared Maharaja Ranjit Singh a tankhaiya, meaning guilty of religious misconduct and liable for religious punishment. The Maharaja accepted the punishment without protest and bowed his head in humility. Seeing his humility, the Sangat forgave him. Dhillon said this was the real identity of Sher-e-Punjab, a leader for whom faith and the Panth stood above every form of political or royal power.

Targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Dhillon alleged that when Mann was declared “Guru-Dokhi” and “anti-Khalsa Panth” by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, he did not show humility and instead termed the decision a political conspiracy. He further alleged that Mann questioned the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and attempts were made to dismiss the reports of the Central Forensic Laboratories.

Dhillon said history bears witness that those who tried to challenge Sri Akal Takht Sahib never gained politically or socially. He advised Bhagwant Mann to learn from history and respect the dignity of the Guru’s institution.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH