Amritsar: Punjab BJP spokesperson Prof. Sarchand Singh Khiala has strongly
condemned Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring’s remark that he was
ready to “keep shoes on his head” to placate disgruntled party leaders and workers. Prof.
Khiala described the statement as deeply hurtful to Sikh sentiments, derogatory to the sanctity
of the Sikh turban (Dastar), and a serious affront to Sikh religious maryada.
He said the issue cannot be dismissed as a mere slip of the tongue but reflects a disturbing
insensitivity towards Sikh identity and the sacred significance of the Dastar. For Sikhs, the
turban is not merely a piece of cloth; it represents honour, self-respect, responsibility, distinct
identity and the blessings bestowed by the Sikh Gurus.
Prof. Khiala noted that Raja Warring himself wears a turban, and therefore any reference to
placing shoes on one’s head inevitably carries an association with the Dastar. Such remarks,
he said, are contrary to Sikh values and deeply offend the sentiments of the Sikh community.
He stated that Sikhs have made immense sacrifices to preserve their identity and honour, and
the Dastar remains a symbol of dignity, courage and service to humanity. Therefore, any
attempt to associate it with shoes or slippers is unacceptable.
Prof. Khiala further said that merely wearing a turban does not make one a true representative
of Sikh values; understanding and respecting its sanctity and significance is equally important.
Had Raja Warring understood the spiritual and cultural importance of the Dastar, he would
never have made such an irresponsible and insensitive statement.
He asked the Congress party to clarify whether the remark reflects Raja Warring’s personal
opinion or the official thinking of the Congress leadership. If the party neither distances itself
from the statement nor initiates action against him, it would reinforce the perception that the
Congress has yet to move beyond its history of hurting Sikh sentiments and disrespecting Sikh
identity.
Prof. Khiala also questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking why those who raise
concerns about Sikh rights and the freedom to wear turbans abroad are now silent over the
alleged insult to the Dastar by their own Punjab unit chief. He demanded to know whether Raja
Warring would be held accountable and whether any action would be taken against him.
He further stated that the memories of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib
and the repeated neglect of Sikh sentiments continue to pain the Sikh community. In this
context, he termed Raja Warring’s statement highly objectionable and condemnable.
Prof. Khiala demanded that Raja Warring immediately withdraw his statement and tender an
unconditional apology to the entire Sikh community.