As the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has summoned Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on May 8 over the passage of the anti-sacrilege law in the House last month, Sandhwan on Thursday said he would appear before the Akal Takht “as a humble Sikh” and with utmost respect.
Speaking to the media in Barnala on Thursday, Sandhwan said, “The Akal Takht Sahib is the supreme temporal institution of Sikhs. Whenever we visit Darbar Sahib, we also bow before Akal Takht Sahib and consider ourselves fortunate. Since I have been summoned, I will go there barefoot as a humble Sikh.”
He further said that if there were any doubts or concerns regarding the law, he would try to address them according to his understanding. “Whenever any work is done, questions and doubts can arise, and they should be clarified,” he said.
Defending the anti-sacrilege law, Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, the speaker said stricter provisions were necessary.
He remarked that if an ordinary person is attacked, an FIR of attempt to murder is registered and even life imprisonment can follow, but those involved in sacrilege incidents often do not even land in jail.
Sandhwan links recent blasts to approaching elections in state
Speaking about the recent blasts in the state, Sandhwan said, “People commonly say that when elections are near in a state, such incidents begin surfacing, whether riots or blasts.”
Referring to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, he added that if the CM had made any statement on the issue, there must have been some basis behind it.
Sandhwan inaugurates Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Chowk
Sandhwan, along with Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, inaugurated Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Chowk in Barnala, established by the Ramgarhia community.
Addressing the gathering, Sandhwan said Punjab’s history was enriched by warriors like Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, whose legacy would inspire generations. He termed the chowk a tribute to Sikh history and bravery.
Meet Hayer said the chowk and statue would help educate youth about the great Sikh general and the Ramgarhia community’s contribution to the agricultural implements industry.
