Haryana govt ‘Veer Banda Bairagi' ad on his martyrdom day invites backlash from SGPC, Akal Takht
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib condemned the label as a 'grave insult' to Sikh history and identity, alleging a deliberate attempt to distort the legacy of the Khalsa general who led a historic campaign against Mughal tyranny.
The controversy erupted after the Haryana government's Department of Information and Public Relations published advertisements in leading dailies and made social media posts 25 June, marking Banda Singh Bahadur's martyrdom day. The social media posts have since been modified.
Gurugram: A Haryana government advertisement on the martyrdom day of revered Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Wednesday ignited a firestorm of controversy as it referred to him as 'Veer Banda Bairagi'.
In a strongly worded statement issued from Amritsar Wednesday, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami described the advertisement as a 'violation of Sikh principles' and a 'misrepresentation' of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's life and martyrdom.
'Calling him 'Veer Banda Bairagi' hurts Sikh sentiments and distorts historical truth,' Dhami said in the statement.
He emphasised Banda Singh Bahadur, born Lachhman Dev in 1670, renounced his Bairagi identity after he met Guru Gobind Singh in 1708 and became a baptised Sikh.
Under the Guru's guidance, he led the Khalsa Army to defeat Mughal forces at Chappar Chiri in 1710, captured Sirhind, and established the first Sikh rule, naming the site Sri Fatehgarh Sahib to honour the martyred Sahibzadas, the four sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
Bairagi, in the context of Hindu traditions, are Vishnu devotees. It refers to someone free from worldly desires and attachments. They are often associated with ascetics or those who have renounced worldly life.
Dhami highlighted Banda Singh Bahadur's revolutionary reforms, including abolishing the Mughal zamindari system and granting land ownership to farmers, a landmark step toward social equality.
'He was a devout Sikh, not a Bairagi, and his martyrdom in 1716, alongside his four-year-old son Ajay Singh, remains a symbol of Sikh sacrifice,' Dhami said. He demanded the Haryana government apologise, retract the advertisement, and take action against officials responsible for the 'deliberate' misrepresentation.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, echoed Dhami's sentiments, calling the advertisement part of a 'conspiracy to erase Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's Sikh identity'.
Paying homage to the martyr, Gargaj recounted his leadership in uprooting the Mughal rule from Punjab, his prolonged resistance at Gurdas Nangal, and his son's brutal execution before his own eyes.
'Referring to him as 'Veer Banda Bairagi' is an insult to his legacy and the Sikh community,' Gargaj said, urging Sikhs in Haryana to 'educate the government' about Banda Singh Bahadur's true identity.
Also Read: Why BJP wants to make Sikh icon Banda Singh Bahadur its own — 'defender of faith against Mughals'
'Objections unwarranted'
Ashok Chhabra, the media coordinator for Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, defended the advertisement, calling the objections 'unwarranted' and politically motivated. 'The BJP admires Banda Singh Bahadur's courage and valour. He was originally born a Bairagi, also known as Banda Bairagi. The SGPC's protest is for political reasons,' Chhabra told ThePrint.
Bairagis are listed among 72 castes in Haryana's Backward Class 'A' block, alongside Kamboj, Bhat, and others. CM Saini and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh belong to the BC 'B' block, which includes Ahir and Saini castes.
Political analysts see the BJP's use of 'Veer Banda Bairagi' as a strategic move to appeal to both Sikh and OBC voters in Haryana, where caste dynamics play a significant role.
'Mentioning Banda Singh Bahadur as Bairagi serves a dual purpose for the BJP, wooing Sikhs while reinforcing its OBC push,' said Kushal Pal, a professor of political science who is posted as principal at Indira Gandhi National College, Ladwa, in Kurukshetra.
About Banda Bahadur
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's legacy, as documented in Sikh historical texts and Sikhiwiki, remains a cornerstone of Sikh pride.
Born in a Minhas Rajput family in Rajouri, he became an austere after a transformative encounter with a dying doe, adopting the name Madho Das Bairagi. His meeting with Guru Gobind Singh in Nanded in 1708 marked a turning point, as he embraced Sikhism and was tasked with punishing Mughal oppressors, including Nawab Wazir Khan of Sirhind.
His victories laid the foundation for the Sikh Misls and Maharaja Ranjit Singh's kingdom, ending centuries of Mughal dominance in Punjab.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's journey through Haryana in 1709 saw him ignite a rebellion against Mughal oppression. It started in Narnaul where he crushed dacoits amid the Satnami massacre, followed by rallying support in Hisar, summoning Malwa Sikhs in Tohana, plundering treasuries in Sonepat and Kaithal, and conquering Samana—infamous for its executioners of Sikh Gurus—before devastating Kunjpura, Ghuram, Thaska, Damla, and Shahbad Markanda, setting the stage for his historic victory at Sirhind.
He met a brutal end 9 June 1716, when Mughal forces, after torturing him and martyring his four-year-old son Ajay Singh before his eyes, executed him in Delhi, dismembering his body after he refused to renounce his Sikh faith.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)
Also Read: YouTuber Dhruv Rathee takes down video after backlash over AI depiction of Sikh guru
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
29 minutes ago
- News18
Zohran Mamdani, NYC Mayoral Candidate, Slammed Over Anti-Modi, Anti-Hindu Rants
Last Updated: Mamdani's anti-India tirades aren't new, but by labelling PM Modi a 'war criminal', the NYC mayoral candidate has struck a fresh nerve among Indian voices at home and abroad. Indian-origin Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a vocal left-wing figure in New York City politics, is facing intense backlash from prominent public figures and diaspora voices after a series of controversial remarks and resurfaced tweets targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Hindu faith, and India's democratic institutions. Mamdani recently won the Democratic primary after former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the city's mayoral race. He secured 43.5 per cent of the vote, with 90 per cent of ballots counted. If elected in the final round, Mamdani would become New York's first Muslim mayor. While Mamdani has long positioned himself as a progressive voice, critics say his statements cross the line from dissent to disinformation and bigotry, especially in a global context where Indian-Americans are increasingly asserting their identities in public life. The controversy flared after Mamdani recently said he would not appear on the same stage as PM Modi, calling him a 'war criminal" and drawing parallels with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. 'This is someone who we should view in the same manner that we do Benjamin Netanyahu. This is a war criminal," Mamdani said at a May 2025 event when asked if he would join Modi at a public rally. This followed another inflammatory claim where Mamdani said he often shocks people by revealing he is a Gujarati Muslim, 'because Modi killed so many that people don't even believe we exist anymore." 'We should view Modi the way we view Netanyahu. This is a war criminal," says Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani in his campaign for New York Mayor — Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) June 7, 2025 These remarks were met with sharp criticism from Indian leaders across party lines. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi posted on X: 'When Zohran Mamdani opens his mouth, Pakistan's PR team takes the day off. India doesn't need enemies with 'allies' like him shouting fiction from New York." When Zohran Mamdani opens his mouth, Pakistan's PR team takes the day off. India doesn't need enemies with 'allies' like him shouting fiction from New York.— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) June 25, 2025 Why His Claims Are Controversial Mamdani's assertion that Modi 'wiped out" Gujarati Muslims was widely condemned as provocative and factually baseless. Gujarat's 2021 census data shows Muslims make up roughly 10 per cent of the state's population, numbering over six million, contradicting any notion of demographic erasure. Omer Ghazi, a political analyst, called the statement 'not only provocative and false, [but one that] insults the 6 million-plus vibrant Muslim population in Gujarat by denying their existence." He added: 'This shows Mamdani will lie through his teeth for his ideological goals." Zohran Mamdani is the product of the same poisonous cocktail between Islamism and Marxism that has plagued the intellectual discourse for several a press conference, he was asked about his views on PM Modi's rally in the United States, and he said that his father… — Omer Ghazi (@OmerGhazi2) June 25, 2025 Netizens Hit Back Mamdani's remarks have triggered a wave of condemnation on social media, especially among Indian-origin users and diaspora commentators who accuse him of pushing extremist narratives under the guise of progressive politics. One post that gained traction referred to him as the 'Jehadi Mayor of New York," accusing him of fostering hatred against both Hindus and Jews. The tweet called out Mamdani's silence on violent slogans and attempts to normalise extremism in political discourse. MEET THE NEW JEHADI MAYOR OF NEW YORK1. Zohran Mamdani is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, a fake Marxist, and Mira Nair – a fake Malayali. Mira is a Punjabi Nayyar who fooled millions of Malayalis into believing that she was a Malayali via her misspelled name. Such duplicity is at… — Rakesh Krishnan Simha (@ByRakeshSimha) June 25, 2025 This Zohran Mamdani was even seen spreading fake news against Gujarati Hindus by claiming that no Muslims exist in Gujarat contrary to his claim in fact Muslims of Gujarat are richest among counterparts of country and many Muslims businessman of state openly endorse Modi ji. 3/n — Ganesh (@me_ganesh14) June 25, 2025 Another user pointed out Mamdani's refusal to condemn slogans like 'Globalise the Intifada" and his public reading of Umar Khalid's prison notes, stating that this isn't progressive leadership but a dangerous flirtation with radicalism. When asked about the phrase, Mamdani said, 'Ultimately, what I hear in so many is a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights," declining to denounce it directly. While the word intifada literally means 'uprising" or 'shaking off" in Arabic, it is widely associated with the Second Intifada, a violent campaign of attacks against Jewish Israelis during the early 2000s. Anti-Hindu Slurs And Silence At Protests One of the most contentious episodes traces back to an August 2020 protest in Times Square, where Zohran Mamdani joined demonstrators opposing the Ram Mandir celebrations. According to eyewitnesses and social media coverage, protestors were heard chanting slogans like 'Who are Hindus? Harami!" and directing abusive phrases at Lord Ram, a deeply revered Hindu deity. Mamdani stood alongside the crowd as the hate speech unfolded—but did not publicly condemn it. This silence sparked sharp criticism from commentators who see the omission as more than an oversight; they interpret it as tacit approval. Rishi Bagree, a well-known social media commentator, posted: 'NYC Mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani once led a mob of protestors in Times Square calling Hindus bastards and heaping abuses upon Lord Rama, who is worshipped by Hindus. A true scumbag." NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani once led a mob of protestors in Times Square calling Hindus as bastards and heaping abuses upon Lord Rama, who is worshipped by Hindus.A true scumbag. — Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) June 25, 2025 Actor Kangana Ranaut also reacted sharply to Mamdani's remarks, pointing out his family's Indian roots. She wrote: 'His mother is Mira Nair, one of our best filmmakers, Padmashri, a beloved and celebrated daughter born and raised in great Bharat based in New York. She married Mehmood Mamdani (Gujarati origin), a celebrated author, and obviously son is named Zohran. He sounds more Pakistani than Indian … whatever happened to his Hindu identity or bloodline and now he is ready to wipe out Hinduism, wow!!" His mother is Mira Nair, one of our best filmmakers, Padmashri , a beloved and celebrated daughter born and raised in great Bharat based in Newyork, she married Mehmood Mamdani ( Gujarati origin) a celebrated author, and obviously son is named Zohran, he sounds more Pakistani… — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) June 26, 2025 Mamdani's presence at such events, without publicly condemning hate speech, suggests selective outrage. A Long Trail Of Provocative Tweets Several of Mamdani's older tweets have resurfaced, adding fuel to the fire: August 17, 2024: 'This is a photo of Babri Masjid… In 1992, it was destroyed in a riot instigated by the BJP, now India's ruling party. On Sunday, Hindu nationalists want to celebrate that atrocity in NYC." This is a photo of Babri Masjid, a mosque that stood for over 400 years in Ayodhya, 1992, it was destroyed in a riot instigated by the BJP, now India's ruling party. On Sunday, Hindu nationalists want to celebrate that atrocity in NYC. Will Mayor Adams let them? — Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) August 16, 2024 May 7, 2020: 'My family was expelled from Uganda because they were Indian. Today, my brothers & sisters in India are being persecuted because they're Muslim." In 1972, my family was expelled from Uganda because they were my brothers & sisters in India are being persecuted because they're Muslim. I won't stay quiet as the past repeats itself & self-proclaimed progressive leaders watch in silence or complicity. (5/x) — Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) March 6, 2020 August 6, 2020: 'The BJP promotes Hindutva or Hindu supremacy… they want to erase the legacy of an India where my Hindu grandfather recited Urdu poetry and my Muslim grandfather sang bhajans." The BJP promotes the ideology of Hindutva, or Hindu supremacy. They want to transform India from a diverse, secular republic into a Hindu state & erase the legacy of an India where my Hindu grandfather recited Urdu poetry & my Muslim grandfather sang bhajans in Gujarati. (2/8) — Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) August 5, 2020 Who Is Zohran Mamdani? The son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and political theorist Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran represents New York's 36th District and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Born in Uganda, he moved to New York when he was 7 years old, ultimately becoming a US citizen in 2018. He announced his bid for mayor of New York City and built his platform around issues like housing, public transit, and international justice. However, it's his views on India, and especially his vitriolic rhetoric against PM Modi and the Hindu community, that have attracted the most attention back home. top videos View all Bottom Line Mamdani may brand himself as a progressive voice, but growing voices in India and among Indian-Americans say he's peddling ideological propaganda, not facts. From resurrecting old communal wounds to making outrageous demographic claims and glorifying radical figures, Mamdani's words are being called out not just as offensive, but dangerous. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : new york mayor Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 26, 2025, 12:14 IST News viral Zohran Mamdani, NYC Mayoral Candidate, Slammed Over Anti-Modi, Anti-Hindu Rants
The Print
44 minutes ago
- The Print
Amid thaw in ties, Indian envoy to Spain likely to be appointed next High Commissioner to Canada
Patnaik has over three decades of experience as a diplomat, serving at India's missions in Beijing, Dhaka, Vienna and Geneva. He was formerly India's ambassador to Morocco and Cambodia, as well as deputy high commissioner at its mission in London. He was also a director-general of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. A person familiar with the matter said that the process for Patnaik's 'likely' appointment has begun following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney last week on the margins of the G7 summit in Alberta. New Delhi: Dinesh K. Patnaik, India's Ambassador to Spain is set to become New Delhi's next high commissioner to Canada, ThePrint has learnt. The process to appoint high commissioners between New Delhi and Ottawa has begun and is likely to be completed 'soon'. Modi and Carney during their meeting on 18 June called for the 'early return of high commissioners to each other's capitals,' as part of 'calibrated' and 'constructive steps' to 'restore stability' to the relationship. The first meeting between the two leaders has led to a thaw in ties, following Ottawa's allegations of Indian government officials being linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, an Indian designated terrorist, was killed outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia on 18 June, 2023. The allegations, raised personally by former Canadian Prime Justin Trudeau in September 2023 on the floor of the House of Commons, torpedoed ties. Within a month, India had called for the removal of 41 Canadian diplomats from Ottawa's missions in the South Asian nation to restore 'parity', while both countries expelled a diplomat each, citing their role as 'spies'. In October 2024, ties deteriorated further, with India withdrawing its high commissioner from Ottawa, Sanjay Kumar Verma, along with five other diplomats, following a request from the Canadian government to waive their immunity. New Delhi further expelled six Canadian diplomats including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Wheeler and Deputy High Commissioner Patrick Hébert. This diplomatic downgrading of ties with a G7 member indicated the chill between New Delhi and Ottawa. Carney's assumption of leadership of the Liberal Party from Trudeau earlier this year led to a hope that ties could be reset. The former Governor of the Bank of England led the Liberal Party to victory in Canadian federal elections in April 2025. With Carney in power, India had been mulling the restoration of ties, with the appointment of a high commissioner to Ottawa, as reported by ThePrint earlier. However, at the time Carney was appointing his cabinet, which was finally unveiled in May 2025. For India, a number of challenges in its relationship with Canada remains, including what it believes is the space given to Sikh separatists in the North American country as well as the transnational organised crime gangs, which operate within its borders. Carney carved out the irritants in ties—the Nijjar killing and transnational crime—from the political level through an agreement with Modi to resume cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both countries. The positive meeting between Modi and Carney set the stage for the step-by-step restoration of ties, starting with the appointment of high commissioners. The two leaders also discussed the resumption of negotiations for an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), which was called off by Ottawa in September 2023. For Carney, India has emerged as an important partner country, particularly with the return of President Donald J. Trump to the White House. The American President has taken aim at Canada, famously urging the country to become the '51st state' of the US. Ottawa relies heavily on its trade with the US, which accounts for over 70 percent of its total trade. While in recent years it has signed a trade deal with the European Union (EU), there is a push to further diversify its economic engagement. On the security front, Carney is also seeking to diversify its reliance on the US, with a promised $2 billion investment in new defence procurement within the next year. A few days earlier, Canada and the EU signed a new defence and security partnership. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Carney is repairing what Trudeau left damaged. India and Canada are now on a path to reset ties
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Ensure peaceful conduct of Kanwar Yatra, Moharram: U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to ensure robust law and order, communal harmony, and appropriate public amenities during the upcoming festivals in Uttar Pradesh. The meeting involved extensive discussions with all police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior superintendents of police across the State. The Chief Minister issued clear instructions that all religious events must be conducted with devotion, safety, and social harmony, and the administrative machinery must work with full sensitivity and alertness. Mr. Adityanath noted that the sacred Hindu month of Shravan will be observed from July 11 to August 9, during which traditional Kanwar Yatra, Shravani Shivratri, Nag Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated. Additionally, Jagannath Rath Yatra is expected between June 27 and July 8, and Muharram between June 27 and July 7. "This entire period is highly sensitive in terms of law and order, healthcare, sanitation, education, and disaster management. Hence, all related departments and district administrations must work with coordination and accountability,"Mr. Adityanath said, according to an official statement. The Chief Minister gave special directives for the peaceful and dignified conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, describing it as a symbol of faith, discipline, and enthusiasm. 'No provocative slogans, display of weapons' "Districts bordering Uttarakhand, as well as Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bareilly, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Kashi, Barabanki, and Basti, must exercise special vigilance. Inter-state coordination must be maintained at all times. "The sound levels of DJs, drums, and music along the yatra route must strictly follow prescribed norms. Loud and jarring sounds, provocative slogans, and route deviations from tradition will not be acceptable under any circumstances. The height of DJs used in tazia, rath, or kanwar processions must also remain within specified limits," he said. The Chief Mminister firmly stated that cutting down trees, removing slums, or displacing poor people for any procession is "completely unacceptable". He further emphasised that "display of weapons" and "politicisation of religious symbols" during religious events are disruptive to communal harmony and must be strictly prohibited. "Entry of prohibited animals along the procession routes should be restricted. Social media should be closely monitored, and drone surveillance should be ensured wherever necessary. Prompt rebuttals and dissemination of accurate information must be carried out to counter fake news and rumours," Mr. Adityanath said. As the Kanwar Yatra sees participation in large numbers, with potential threats of miscreants blending in under disguise, the chief minister directed all districts to stay alert. At the level of police stations, circles, and outposts, local administration must stay in constant dialogue with kanwar associations and conduct prior assessments of all arrangements, he said. Mr. Adityanath reiterated that while the religious sentiments of devotees are of utmost importance, no mischief-maker should be allowed any opportunity. Prioritising pilgrims' convenience, Mr. Adityanath instructed that non-vegetarian food or similar items should not be sold in the open along the kanwar routes. Cleanliness, sanitation, street lighting, drinking water, toilets, and basic medical facilities must be ensured on the yatra paths, he added. Damaged electric poles and hanging wires must be immediately repaired, he said. Organisations setting up camps must be verified, and public convenience centres must be operated with their cooperation, he said, according to the statement. Every Monday during Shravan, large crowds of devotees gather at Shiva temples across the state. The Panchayati Raj and Urban Development Departments have been instructed to ensure cleanliness, drainage, and traffic management in and around temples in villages, towns, and cities in advance. The ban on plastic must also be strictly enforced, Mr. Adityanath said. To curb overcharging of food items along the kanwar routes, prices must be fixed, and each vendor must display their name, as done in previous years, he said. The Chief Minister expressed concern over complaints of overpricing of fertilisers as well, and directed district magistrates to conduct surprise inspections and take the strictest action against violators. Preparations for Muharram Regarding Muharram, the chief minister issued clear instructions that all necessary preparations must be made in advance, learning from incidents of previous years. Events should be conducted peacefully on traditional routes in coordination with peace committees and organising bodies, he said. The Chief Mminister also addressed the sensitive issue of conspiracies to incite caste-based conflict and stated unequivocally that certain disruptive elements have recently attempted to spread caste hatred in the state. "Incidents in Kaushambi, Etawah, and Auraiya are proof of this," he said. Issuing a stern warning, he asserted, "Such malicious attempts are against the interests of the state and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. These conspiracies must be exposed immediately, the culprits publicly identified, and the strictest action taken against them." He directed the administration to act swiftly and within the law, without waiting for specific instructions from the government. On the matter of grievance redressal, Mr. Adityanath reviewed applications received via the CM Helpline and the IGRS portal, and noted that the performance of some districts was not satisfactory and warned them to improve their functioning or be prepared to face accountability. The Chief Minister also mentioned the 'School Pairing Policy', stating that in the interest of teachers, students, and parents, certain Basic Education Council schools are being paired. This process must be transparent, inclusive, and aligned with local needs. The DMs must ensure that this is implemented smoothly and effectively, Mr. Adityanath said.
