The controversy surrounding Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Waring’s alleged casteist remarks against former Union minister Buta Singh escalated on Tuesday, with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes seeking a report on the action taken from the authorities in Tarn Taran within seven days.
The political debate has raged over the remarks with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raising it as a poll issue in Tarn Taran, where the Assembly bypoll is scheduled to be held on November 11.
Earlier in the day, after taking note of news reports in which BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh criticized the Congress for showing “blatant disrespect” towards marginalized communities, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes said it had decided to investigate the incident under the powers vested in it under Article 338 of the Constitution.
In a notification, the committee directed the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Superintendent of Tarn Taran District Police to submit a report on the action taken within seven days. The report must include details like date and place of incident, details of victims and accused, details of FIR, sections relied upon, arrests made, chargesheets filed and compensation offered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The notice also warned that failure to respond within the specified time may result in the Commission exercising its civil jurisdiction under Section 338, including issuing subpoenas for personal appearance.
The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has also taken suo motu notice of Waring’s statements and asked him to appear before it on November 6.
On Monday, Waring tendered an unconditional apology, saying Buta Singh, veteran Congress leader, was like a father figure to him and he could never mean any disrespect to him or anyone else. He stressed that his statements came in a positive context, highlighting that Congress was an inclusive party that gave everyone a chance on the basis of merit, and not on the basis of class, creed or religion.
Story continues below this ad
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday criticized the Congress, saying Waring’s remarks revealed the mindset of opposition party leaders.
“He made casteist remarks and now he is seeking an apology. They don’t want someone from a poor family to come forward. They can’t tolerate people from ordinary families,” Mann said while campaigning for RJD candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu in the by-election.
Separately, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said Waring’s “casteist” comment was “inexcusable” and AAP will lodge a protest with the EC, seeking action against the Ludhiana MP.
Speaking to the media, Cheema said Waring insulted Buta Singh, “and was spewing caste venom”. He said it reflects the “mentality” of fighting against the poor and Dalits, and asked the Congress president to expel Warang from the party.
Story continues below this ad
“The crime he committed is unforgivable… He committed a big crime,” Cheema said of his apology. Cheema said the party’s legal cell will make a representation to the Election Commission of India in the matter.
(tags for translation)National Commission for Scheduled Castes
