Ramdass, September 16: A controversy broke out Monday after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was presented with a ‘siropa’ at the SGPC-run Gurdwara Samadh Baba Budha Sahib in Ramdass during his visit to flood-affected areas of Amritsar and Gurdaspur. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has ordered an inquiry into the incident, with the findings expected by Tuesday evening.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said he had taken serious note of the matter. “The probe will determine how this took place and whether protocol was followed,” he noted, adding that the report will be submitted promptly.
Gandhi received the ceremonial robe of honour inside the sanctum sanctorum from a granthi. Traditionally, the SGPC’s executive committee has limited the siropa ceremony in front of Guru Granth Sahib to Sikh religious leaders only.
Despite this restriction, siropas have also been offered in the past to distinguished figures such as the President, Prime Minister, and foreign dignitaries, though those honours are usually extended after a separate programme at the Golden Temple.
The gesture to Gandhi, however, drew strong objections from within the SGPC itself. Members Surinder Singh Bhulewal, Manjit Singh, and Malkit Singh Changal issued a statement condemning the act. “Behind the veil efforts were being made to grant forgiveness to the Gandhi family even though it was instrumental in attacking the Golden Temple, demolition of Akal Takht and the Sikh genocide in Delhi,” they alleged.
The siropa, a traditional robe of honour, carries deep religious significance in Sikh tradition. Its presentation to a political leader, critics argue, risks blurring the line between religious practice and political symbolism.
