Punjab Congress Chief Booked for Remarks on Buta Singh
Punjab Congress chief and Ludhiana MP, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, has been booked for allegedly making casteist remarks against former Union Home Minister, the late Buta Singh. The case was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Kapurthala district following a complaint by Buta Singh’s son, Sarabjot Singh Sidhu.
The FIR has been filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with promoting enmity on grounds of religion, race, or caste. The complaint alleges that Warring used “derogatory and caste-based” language during a political rally held while campaigning for the November 11 Tarn Taran Assembly bypoll.
Complaint Claims Remarks Hurt SC Community Sentiments
In his complaint, Sarabjot Singh accused Warring of using terms like “Black Sikh” and “Kala Mazhabi Sikh” in a derogatory manner to describe his father. He said such words were “deeply offensive, casteist, and factually incorrect.” Moreover, he argued that the remarks insulted the Mazhabi Sikh community and could incite caste-based tensions in Punjab.
He also said that the comments amounted to “body shaming” and reinforced discriminatory stereotypes. The complaint stated, “These words undermine the dignity of a leader who served the nation and represent a direct attack on the Scheduled Caste community.”
According to Sarabjot, such remarks dishonour the memory of Buta Singh, who was a respected national leader and a prominent figure among Scheduled Caste Sikhs.
Warring Issues Unconditional Apology Amid Backlash
Facing criticism from political rivals and social groups, Warring issued an unconditional apology on Monday. He said that he regretted his remarks and added that Buta Singh was like a “father figure.” He maintained that he did not intend to hurt any community or individual.
However, rival political leaders called the apology “too late and inadequate.” They demanded legal action and said public figures must be held accountable for their statements.
Leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) condemned the remarks and said they could disturb communal harmony. Social activists urged political leaders to maintain sensitivity when addressing caste and community issues.
Legal Action and Political Implications
Police officials confirmed that the FIR was registered after legal consultation and review of video evidence. They said investigations are underway and statements from witnesses will be recorded soon. If found guilty, Warring could face legal consequences under the SC/ST Act.
Political analysts believe the controversy may impact Congress’s image in Punjab, especially among Dalit voters. It arrives at a time when parties are preparing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, making it a sensitive issue.
Buta Singh, who passed away in 2021, held several key positions including Union Home Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC). He was widely respected for his contribution to public life.