Legislator Randhawa faces heat for Dastar comments ; Complaint lands at Akal Takhat
Amritsar, December 6, 2025 (Bharat Khabarnama Bureau) – Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, allegedly made an offensive remark about the revered Dastar during the filing of nomination papers for Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections which prompted sharp criticism from Sikh leaders and institutions. The Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, has called upon the ruling party legislator to apologise to the Sikh Panth, while a complaint seeking action has already reached the Takhat.
Mentionably, MLA Randhawa has used objectionable language about the Dastar during the commotion between Congress and ruling party members outside the nomination centre. In a viral video clip Baath allegedly said “If Paggs are to be tied, it will also have to be untied. Paggs have no spikes that it will not be removed from the head.” These comments were widely perceived as belittling the sanctity of the Sikh Dastar and sparked immediate anger among Sikh qaum.
Responding to this with the media persons Jathedar Gargaj said the MLA’s remarks were unacceptable and deeply hurtful to Sikh sentiments. A formal complaint has also been filed at the Takhat demanding action against him.
The Jathedar said the MLA had insulted the Dastar, a sacred gift bestowed by the revered Sikh Gurus. He reminded that Gurbani clearly states, “Saabat Soorat, Dastar Sirah,” underscoring the honour attached to the Sikh ‘crown’. He questioned how a person who identifies as a Sikh and wears a Dastar himself could label it a “small thing.”
He added that the Dastar has been a symbol of dignity worn by emperors and that Dastar bearing Sikhs have stood at the forefront of nation building, the freedom struggle and India’s progress. “Such remarks cannot be tolerated. He should apologise to the entire Panth for using abusive language for the Dastar,” the Jathedar categorically said.
The Jathedar emphasised that across party lines, everyone should respect the Dastar. He further cautioned political leaders that while elections will come and go, “votes or no votes, the Dastar and the teachings of the Gurus should never be disrespected.”
He referred to a video in which a person from ruling party was loudly saying, “Recognise and take back your own Dastars.” The Jathedar called this attitude an expression of ego and condemned it as a grave mistake. He added that historical figures like Lakhpat Rai and Jaspat Rai, who had also spoken against the Dastar, remain discredited in Sikh memory.
