Sikh organisations demand retraction of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘hurtful and divisive’ remarks

Sikh delegations from across the country asked Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to withdraw his remarks that Sikhs have a problem wearing turbans, kadas and visiting gurdwaras in India.

A memorandum was submitted to Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai on Rahul Gandhi’s ‘hurtful and divisive’ remarks involving the Sikh community.

BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "All Sikh organisations and elected bodies, including Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Patna Saheb Gurdwara Committee, Jharkhand Centre Board, West Bengal Centre Board and Calcutta Centre Committee representatives met Nityanand Rai and petitioned him about the remarks. Similar remarks were made on the eve of 1980 Asian Games, and then we all know what happened in 1984. The entire Sikh community of India is resentful about his statements, which are creating a misleading impression among the minds of Sikhs abroad. They are asking whether Indian Sikhs are actually being prevented from wearing turbans. We demand that Gandhi retract his statement in deference to the Sikh sentiments."

During his recent visit to the US, Rahul said the fight in India was about whether Sikhs would be allowed to wear a turban, kada and visit gurdwaras.