Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Lok Sabha Candidate from Bathinda has been criticized over social networks for uploading videos with Sikhs wearing AAP caps atop their turbans. Recently, in a video that has surfaced online, a Sikh wearing a cap atop his dastar (turban) is speaking in favour of Jassi Jasraj.
Jassi Jasraj recently started wearing a dastar himself, and has put himself in the forefront as a Sikh with “awakened consciousness.” He often greets his supporters with the Sikh slogan of “Fateh”.
In addition to Jasraj, other AAP candidates have also faced same criticism, and it is expected to grow in the future. Sardas HS Phoolka, a well-known Sikh, has also been spotted with Sikh supporters wearing AAP caps during election campaigns. Bhagwant Mann, who has boldly made dares to the Badal Government, continues to greet his supporters as “Sadh Sangat” with “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh” despite wearing the AAP cap. Gulkirat Kaur Panag, who too has been in the limelight in Chandigarh, especially amongst Sikh youth, has continued to adorn her head with the AAP cap.
Although these candidates are not practicing Sikhs, in addition to adorning their heads with caps, their practice of branding dastars worn by other AAP candidates has also been questioned. Practicing Sikhs who adhere to Gurmat principles are a minority in India, and if the trend continues, turbans might well be replaced with the “Gandhi topi” caps. Sikh Identity is already threatened in India to the dismay of the devout. Sikh leaders who need to play a key role in uplifting the Sikh spirit, instead are openly supporting fascist organizations like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rather than AAP.
After having been deceived, and cheated, by the Indian Government ever since 1947, the vast majority of Sikhs have offered their support to the Aam Aadmi Party, hoping that it would bring about change to the country. Sikhs are an independent nation of people, however because they have been faced with constant threats due the increasing Hindutva agenda in the country, Sikhs are becoming anti-Nationalists.
Although support to Aam Aadmi Party would be good for the short term, many Sikh scholars, and activists, feel that for the long term Sikhs may have to resort to a different approach. Sikh24 requests Aam Aadmi Party leaders to understand that there is a dire threat to Sikh Identity in Punjab, and ask that they not challenge it further. Wearing of caps, or any other headgear besides turbans, is frowned upon in Sikhi, as mentioned in the following Rehitnama, code of conduct –
He who as a Sikh places a hat on their head; will be reborn seven times as a leper.
I don’t think someone should become thekedars of Sikhs.
Let one crore Sikhs decide. Stop ruling from Delhi, UK , candada. Ab villages se rule hoga. Pinda de log decide kenge who is sent to Gurudwars. Don;t need you Congress SAD.
Sikhs are most free people in the world. They are not like Muslims who can be tied to chains around their neck.
Identity of Sikhs is truth and honesty.
What they wear, purdah etc these should be left to TALIBAN
Thekedars? This coming from a Hindu? Maybe you should just mind your own business and let Sikhs tend to their own issues. We’ve had enough of Hindu opinions/interference for a life time.