"You lack the stature to challenge the Jathedar”: YAD President Jhinjer dares CM Mann to open debate
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 9, 2026 — Youth Akali Dal (YAD) President Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer has launched an attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, issuing an open challenge for a debate while condemning the CM’s "arrogant" stance toward the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.
Jhinjer’s remarks come after the Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, summoned the Chief Minister to the Akal Takht Secretariat to explain alleged anti-Sikh remarks and a controversial viral video.
Jhinjer slammed Mann’s request for a live telecast of the proceedings and his perceived defiance of the Jathedar, stating that the Chief Minister has no right to question the Maryada (code of conduct) of the Takht.
Dismissing the Chief Minister's political stature as insufficient to engage with the Sikh clergy, Jhinjer challenged Bhagwant Mann to an open debate with him instead.
He dared the Chief Minister to face him for a discussion on five core issues affecting the state: drugs, education, unemployment, agriculture, and law and order.
Jhinjer emphasized that wisdom is proven through truth and actions, rather than the "false persona" of a humble Sikh that he claims Mann attempts to project for political gain.
He further accused the Chief Minister of hypocrisy, pointing out that while Mann claims to respect Sikh values, his actions often tell a different story.
The YAD President raised several serious allegations during his address, including claims of disrespect toward Guru Sahiban and historical Sikh figures in a recent video.
He also recalled past incidents where the Chief Minister was allegedly accused of arriving at sacred sites like Bargari in an intoxicated state, a matter for which he claimed the Sikh community is still awaiting an apology.
Jhinjer argued that the AAP government has deceived every section of Punjab’s society—including farmers, youth, and the Dalit community—through false promises, failing to address drug trafficking and rising crime. He concluded by asserting that the people of Punjab would deliver a decisive mandate against the current administration in 2027.