Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made this claim on Thursday while submitting a clarification to the Akal Takht secretariat, alleging that his political opponents had circulated a fake AI-generated video to defame him and stir up controversy over Sikh traditions.
Mann appeared before the Akal Thakoot after he was summoned for allegedly making remarks about Sikh traditions and doctrines in a video that went viral on social media. Before making his appearance, he paid homage to Shri Akal Takht Sahib and Sachkund Shri Harmandir Sahib of Amritsar.
Mann told reporters that the video in question was fabricated using artificial intelligence and was deliberately disseminated to tarnish his image and mislead the Sikh community.
“My opponents tried to defame me by creating a fake video using AI. I have submitted a written statement before Jathedar Ji and expressed my readiness to have the video examined by any forensic laboratory in the world,” Mann said.
He added that there was a false perception being spread on social media that he was challenging the authority of Akal Takht, which he strongly denied.
Mann reiterated that he appeared before the Akal Takht Secretariat not as the Chief Minister of Punjab, but as a humble and pious Sikh, and that he would fully abide by any instructions issued from the highest seat of Sikhism.
Mann said in a statement that he prayed at the Golden Temple for peace, harmony and mutual brotherhood in Punjab before briefing Jathedar Gianni Kuldeep Singh Gargazi as per the orders of Shri Akal Takht Sahib.
Akal Takht authorities said they would investigate Mann’s response in detail and issue appropriate instructions thereafter.
The Akal Takht had summoned Mann on January 5 after a video purportedly containing his remarks on Sikh traditions and doctrines went viral on social media.
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