Chabbewal seeks action against Cong chief over ‘casteist’ remarks

MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal on Wednesday demanded legal and disciplinary action against Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring for his alleged derogatory comments about former Union Home Minister and senior Congress stalwart late Buta Singh.

Chabbewal described the remarks as “deeply offensive and racist”.

Chabbewal said Raja Warring’s remarks were an act of extreme insensitivity and arrogance, unbecoming of any political leader. He said such the comments not only insulted the memory of one of India’s most respected Dalit leaders but also exposed the deep-rooted prejudice that continued to persist in sections of the political class.

“Raja Warring is not even equal to the dust of Buta Singh’s feet,” Chabbewal said. “Before uttering such a shameful and racist comment, he should have learned about the towering personality, integrity and contribution of Buta Singh, who dedicated his entire life to public service and upliftment of the marginalised.”

Recalling the remarkable journey of the late leader, Chabbewal said Buta Singh rose from humble beginnings to occupy some of the highest offices in Indian politics. Born in poverty, he worked in villages cutting fodder for cattle while pursuing his education. Through sheer perseverance, he graduated from Khalsa College, Jalandhar, and began his career as a journalist, writing extensively on Punjab’s socio-political issues.

Recognising his commitment and intellect, Master Tara Singh gave him the Akali Dal ticket for the Lok Sabha elections, marking the start of his political career. Later, Buta Singh joined the Congress and, through dedication and ability, rose to become Union Home Minister.

Over his illustrious career, Buta Singh was elected to the Lok Sabha eight times, served as Railway Minister and headed the National Commission for Scheduled Castes.

Chabbewal said Buta Singh played a pivotal role in organising the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and remained a symbol of hard work, humility and statesmanship. “To demean such a leader with a racist slur is not just an insult to him or his family but to the entire Dalit community and every Indian who believes in equality and respect,” he stated.

Demanding immediate accountability, Chabbewal called upon the Congress high command to take stringent disciplinary action against Raja Warring and remove him from the post of Punjab Congress president. He also urged the state government to initiate appropriate legal proceedings over the remark, which he said had “deeply hurt the sentiments of millions”.

“This is not a political issue; it is a matter of human dignity and respect,” Chabbewal said. “If the Congress leadership remains silent on such an outrageous comment, it will expose its moral bankruptcy and double standards on social justice.”

He added that Buta Singh’s life remains an inspiration for generations, symbolising perseverance, humility and service to the nation. “No amount of disrespect from individuals driven by arrogance can diminish the legacy of a leader who rose from the grassroots to shape India’s history,” Chabbewal asserted.