Amritsar : Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Jaswant Singh Purain appeared at the Akal Takht secretariat here and submitted an explanation and apology to the officiating jathedar, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj , regarding his recent meeting with chief minister Bhagwant Mann .




The CM was declared a “Guru Dokhi and Khalsa Panth Virodhi” by the Akal Takht on June 15. After Jaswant Singh met the CM, he was directed by the jathedar Gargaj to personally appear before the Akal Takht within 10 days and submit his explanation. He was also barred from attending SGPC meetings.




Purain admitted before the jathedar that meeting “Guru Dokhi and Khalsa Panth Virodhi” CM Bhagwant Singh was a “major mistake” and that he had realised it.




He, however, said there was no wrong intention behind the meeting, and his motive was in the interest of the Panth.




Expressing remorse, Purain sought forgiveness and said he would accept whatever decision was taken by the Akal Takht. He also sought awarding of tankhah (religious penance) for the mistake so that he could move forward with a clear conscience and without any burden on his mind.




Bagicha Singh, in charge of the Akal Takht secretariat, said the explanation and apology submitted by Purain would be considered at a meeting of the five Sikh high priests following which a decision would be taken on his fate.