'AAP MLAs cleared Anti-Sacrilege bill without reading it, reflecting gross negligence’: Kewal Singh Dhollon; Watch Video
Bhagwant Mann’s absence amounts to a direct insult to Sri Akal Takht Sahib: Dhillon
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 29, 2026: Reacting to the developments at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib over the Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Monday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that its legislators approved the anti-sacrilege Bill without reading it and questioning Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's absence during the appearance of Sikh legislators before the Akal Takht.
In a statement, Dhillon alleged that the reported admission by AAP legislators that they had approved the legislation without reading it reflected "gross negligence and irresponsibility." He claimed the government had failed to handle legislation concerning Sikh religious sentiments with due seriousness.
Referring to the proceedings at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Dhillon questioned why Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann did not appear despite being an elected MLA. He alleged that the Chief Minister's absence amounted to disrespect towards the Sikh temporal seat.
The BJP leader also questioned reports that AAP legislators sought the approval of party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal before appearing before the Akal Takht.
"If Sri Akal Takht Sahib is considered supreme, why was permission from Arvind Kejriwal required before appearing?" Dhillon asked.
He further alleged that the Punjab government should have consulted the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Sri Akal Takht before introducing legislation concerning Sikh religious matters.
Referring to the Akal Takht's direction to amend the law within one month, Dhillon urged the Chief Minister to appear before the Sikh temporal seat and abide by its directives.
The Aam Aadmi Party had not issued any response to Dhillon's allegations at the time of filing this report.