Punjab CM Mann goes to Bengaluru for detox after Akal Takht censure
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann left for Bengaluru on Thursday morning for a four-day detox programme at a private wellness institute. This visit comes days after the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, issued a censure against him over a video message he had posted responding to the body's criticism.
Sources said Mann boarded a flight at around 7:30 am and is expected to return after four days, on Monday. However, the trip may be extended.
Mann's departure to Bengaluru came a day after he launched the Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana from his home constituency of Dhuri. Under the flagship welfare scheme, the state government credited financial assistance to around 36 lakh women beneficiaries.
The controversy stems from a video message by Mann in which he responded to the Akal Takht's earlier criticism of his government's policies. The Akal Takht had summoned him to appear and explain his actions, but Mann did not attend. Instead, he released a video that led to the censure.
This is not the first time a political leader has faced the Akal Takht's ire. The institution has historically issued edicts against leaders, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. However, such censures are significant in the context of Sikh religious and political affairs.
Mann's government has not issued an official statement on the matter. The Chief Minister's office has not confirmed details of the detox programme.
