Why Rahul Gandhi Receiving a Siropa Sparked Controversy in Punja

During his visit to flood-hit Punjab earlier this week, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was given a siropa (robe of honour) at the historic Baba Budha Sahib gurdwara in Amritsar. The move led to disciplinary action by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which said protocol was violated.

A siropa—a saffron cloth placed around the neck in front of the Guru Granth Sahib—is considered the highest honour in Sikh tradition. It is usually reserved for people who have made great contributions to the Sikh faith and community.

After an inquiry, the SGPC dismissed the granthi, suspended two staff members, and transferred another. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the decision “sad and shocking.” SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur also said it was unfair to blame Rahul Gandhi for the actions of his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, who ordered the 1984 Operation Blue Star.

The SGPC clarified that the action was not political but based on rules. Since 2022, the committee has restricted the practice of giving siropas, allowing it inside the sanctum only for religious figures who have dedicated their lives to Sikhism.

Experts note that the siropa’s meaning has weakened over time, as it is often given to politicians and VIPs for influence rather than devotion. Sikh scholar Prof Dharam Singh explained that traditionally, a siropa is the most precious gift a Sikh can receive, bestowed only for true merit and service.

Punjab’s history shows several controversies around siropas, from one being given to British General Dyer after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, to disputes over politicians, foreign leaders, and film stars receiving the honour. Many Sikh leaders argue that the practice has been politicised, and some gurdwara committees now prefer giving books or mementos instead.

In Sikh tradition, the siropa is meant to be a sacred honour—not something handed out like langar (free food).