Punjab FM Cheema Condemns Congress Leader for Remarks on Buta Singh

Chandigarh, Nov 4 (PTI) Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has called out Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring for his remarks about the late former Union minister Buta Singh, describing them as "unpardonable."

Cheema announced that the Aam Aadmi Party plans to submit a representation to the Election Commission, urging action against Warring, who is the Ludhiana MP, for his recently alleged remarks made during campaigning for the November 11 Tarn Taran assembly bypoll.

Warring's comments have sparked criticism from various political leaders.

Facing backlash, Warring, who is the Punjab Congress president, offered an "unconditional apology" on Monday. He emphasized that Buta Singh, a revered veteran Congress leader, was like a father figure to him, and he never intended any disrespect.

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken suo motu notice of the remarks and has summoned Warring to appear on November 6.

In a media address on Tuesday, Cheema strongly condemned Warring for his allegedly casteist remarks.

He argued that Warring disrespected Buta Singh and "spewed the poison of casteism," which reflects a certain "mentality" against the poor and Dalits. Cheema called on the Congress president to expel Warring from the party.

Commenting on Warring's apology, Cheema remarked, "The crime he committed was unpardonable… he committed a big crime." The party's legal cell intends to file a representation with the Election Commission of India regarding this issue.

On Monday, Cheema criticized Warring, stating his comments on Buta Singh, who devoted his life to public service and uplifting the Dalit community, were utterly despicable.

Warring defended that his comments aimed to underscore Congress's inclusive nature, which offers opportunities to individuals based on merit and efficiency, without discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, or religion. He reiterated his "unconditional apology" to anyone who felt hurt.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)