Fresh Political Storm Erupts Over Sikh Religious Symbols
In a significant development in Punjab politics, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has launched a severe accusation against Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, claiming the Ludhiana Lok Sabha MP committed sacrilege against Sikh religious symbols. The controversy emerged just ahead of the crucial Tarn Taran bypoll scheduled for November 11, adding fuel to the already heated political atmosphere in the state.
The Viral Video Controversy
Badal brought attention to a viral video circulating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where Warring can be seen interacting with two Sikh children during his election campaign in Tarn Taran. In the controversial clip, the Congress leader is purportedly shown touching the joora (hair bun) of the children while humorously asking, "Kidhar chale hai do sardaar, toon toon toon toon? (Where are the two Sardars going?)"
In his strongly worded post on X, Badal condemned the act as "desecrating and mocking the kesh (hairs) and dastar (turban)" of the Sikh community. He emphasized that "Guru Sahib bestowed the invaluable gift of the Kesh upon the Sikh community, and the Kesh is one of the five Kakars granted to Sikhs by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj."
Badal's Demand for Religious Intervention
The SAD president didn't stop at social media condemnation. He made a formal appeal to Jathedar Singh Sahib Ji of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of Sikhs in Amritsar, urging immediate and strict action against Warring. Badal characterized the incident as part of a "deliberate conspiracy" against Sikh religious sentiments and called upon all Punjabis to remain vigilant.
Badal's accusations extended beyond this single incident, referencing Warring's recent controversial remarks about the Dalit community and other Congress leaders' alleged disrespect toward Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji and Bhai Ji Jiwan Singh Ji during election campaigning.
Congress Fires Back with Counter-Allegations
The Punjab Congress responded aggressively to Badal's allegations. Party spokesperson Jaskaran Singh Kahlon launched a counter-offensive, reminding Badal of his own controversial moments. "We can also tweet his photo in which the dastaar on his head is missing, his hair is open, and he is playing Holi," Kahlon stated, while clarifying they had no issues with Badal playing Holi but questioned his consistency as head of a panthic party.
Kahlon didn't hold back, bringing up the sensitive Bargari sacrilege case that occurred during Badal's tenure, the appointment of Sumedh Saini as Punjab's DGP, and what he described as Badal's dishonoring of Akal Takht decisions. "Can there be a bigger culprit of the panth than you?" Kahlon questioned, asserting that Warring remains a "progressive man" who would lead Congress to form Punjab's government in 2027.
Warring's Growing List of Controversies
This latest controversy adds to Warring's already troubled political campaign. The PPCC chief recently faced backlash for allegedly making casteist and offensive remarks against late Congress leader Buta Singh, referring to the former Union home minister's "skin colour and complexion." Despite Warring's apology, describing Buta Singh as a "father figure," an FIR was registered against him in Kapurthala under the SC/ST Act based on complaints from Buta Singh's family.
In another controversial statement, Warring called for harsh measures against gangster culture, suggesting that gangsters' families, including parents, uncles, and grandparents, should face criminal charges and imprisonment. This statement reportedly led to death threats from Pakistan-based gangster and designated terrorist Harvinder Singh Rinda, prompting Tarn Taran police to register an FIR.
Escalating Security Concerns
The political drama took a more dangerous turn when fugitive gangster Gopi Lahoria, believed to be hiding in Canada, allegedly issued fresh threats to Warring through a social media post. Lahoria, named in multiple extortion and firing cases by Punjab Police, reportedly dared Warring to "put aside his security cover and then see the consequences."
As the Tarn Taran bypoll approaches, these escalating controversies and security threats have created a volatile political environment in Punjab, with religious sentiments, caste dynamics, and law and order issues becoming central themes in the political discourse.
