Cannot remove pagdi, don't want US visa: Virendra Singh Mast

A BJP MP claimed he chose his "pagdi (turban)" over the US visa.

For three-time Lok Sabha member Virendra Singh Mast, the first visit to the high-security American embassy in the Capital, ended up in a row. He said he was asked to remove his pagdi, a claim that the US Embassy refuted saying during visa application process individuals are not asked to remove their turbans or other religious dress.

"I was at gate number six before 11 am on Wednesday to get my US visa. The security people asked me to remove my pagdi. I told them I cannot remove it. This is my identity and honour. So I refused the visa," the MP told DNA.

Singh said he was taking the visa to give some lectures on agrarian subjects in the US after some embassy officials visited him around two months ago and invited him to address gatherings in the US on agri-related topics. "I thought for the cause of farmers if I could help I should do it and that's why I went to take the visa," said Singh, who was to leave for the U.S. on Friday.

The US Embassy issued a statement saying it did not discriminate on basis of religion nor did it forbid religious dress.

The Bhadohi MP, who has a 95 per cent attendance in Parliament, is always seen wearing his pagdi. He has participated in 20 debates, several of which relate to agriculture, during his current term.