AAP reacts strongly to Sri Akal Takht Video on CM Mann’s appearance; Baltej Pannu says “Our Stand Has Been Proven Right”
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), June 20, 2026: A major political controversy resurfaced on Saturday after Sri Akal Takht Sahib released a video recording of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s appearance before the Sikh temporal seat on January 15, 2026.
Soon after the video was made public, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) issued a strong response, claiming that the recording vindicates the Chief Minister’s position regarding the controversial video that has been at the centre of the dispute.
AAP senior leader and media in-charge Baltej Pannu said the footage clearly shows that Chief Minister Mann had maintained from the very beginning that the disputed video was fake and should be subjected to a forensic investigation.
Addressing Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Pannu said, “The Chief Minister has been saying since day one that the video is fake. Your own recording has now proven that. Chief Minister Mann never denied an investigation; rather, he repeatedly said that the video should be examined.”
In a pointed remark, Pannu further appealed to the Jathedar, saying, “Please also find out who the actor in the video is.”
Conversation Between Jathedar and Chief Minister Comes to Light
According to the video released by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj told the Chief Minister during the proceedings that he could not determine on his own whether the video was genuine or fabricated and that the matter required scientific examination.
“I do not know whether the video is real or fake. It is a subject of investigation. Please suggest two laboratories where a comprehensive forensic examination can be conducted,” the Jathedar is heard telling the Chief Minister.
Responding to the query, Chief Minister Mann reiterated that the video was “completely fake” and expressed support for an independent investigation.
“This video is absolutely fake. I also want a high-level investigation into it so that the truth comes before everyone,” Mann said during the hearing.
The release of the video has reignited political debate over the issue, with AAP asserting that the footage supports its long-standing position that the Chief Minister consistently sought a forensic examination and maintained that the video was fabricated.
The matter continues to draw attention from both political and religious circles in Punjab, with reactions expected from various stakeholders in the coming days.