Lucknow: The dress code row at the Lucknow Golf Club has reachedUnion Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The controversy began when Prashant Bhatia, former chairman of Indian Industries Association (IIA), was denied entry into the elite club because he was dressed in kurta pyjama.
Bhatia, along with 30 social and community organisations, submitted a memorandum to Rajnath Singh, who is also the Lucknow MP, on Monday evening, seeking removal of restriction on Indian traditional attire in the club.
Bhatia also requested the defence minister for getting a law formulated by the central government against such restrictions.
The Golf Club management, however, said that there was no restriction on Indian attire, but there are certain club rules which everybody should adhere to.
Bhatia told reporters on Tuesday: “It is unfortunate that even after 75 years of Independence, when we are celebrating the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ and world over our culture is being recognised and revered, certain institutions are still following rules set by the British.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the White House dressed in Indian attire. In France, too, he was wearing an Indian dress.”
He said that all sports have a dress code, but it is not necessary for guests to also wear costumes like players.
Guests and visitors should not be prevented from entering the place, he said.
He said that he was visiting the golf club on June 25 to attend an IIA meeting.
But the management of the golf club objected to his presence in the meeting, stating that wearing Indian costumes is not allowed.
The host of the meeting, the present chairman of IIA, arranged a dress for Bhatia, but he refused to wear it and attended the meeting in Indian attire thereafter.
Bhatia also wrote a letter to the club management expressing his resentment.
Bhatia said that Rajnath Singh also assured him that he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The club management however, said that the issue was being blown out of proportion.
“There are absolutely no restrictions on wearing Indian attire. As a member, I can walk in wearing an Indian dress. On the other hand, if I want to enter the restaurant in the evening wearing shorts, which is western wear, I would not be allowed in,” said club secretary Sandeep Das.
“We are not a social club. It is a sports organization and club, so there are certain rules to be followed. Nobody can play golf wearing kurta pyjamas, or even capris. Moreover, the club is a private institution, primarily for members. There are certain specific rules for guests too.
“The courts have in the past reprimanded people for not being appropriately dressed. In Gujarat and Mumbai, most homes have this tradition that guests should leave their footwear outside the home. So, do not visit if you cannot follow the simple rule.
“I am told that he is a member of the RSS, which too has a dress code. Will he not adhere to it during a shakha?” Das asked.
Moreover, Das said that meetings are not even allowed in the restaurant.
“They were having a meeting in the restaurant. The staff politely conveyed this to the host. The issue was unfortunately made to take the wrong direction,” he said.
–IANS