Chandigarh, Nov 4 (NationPress) Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has criticized state Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring for his offensive comments directed at the late senior Congress leader Buta Singh, labeling the remarks as a “crime born of caste arrogance”, rather than an innocent mistake.

Cheema dismissed Warring's later apology, which followed public backlash, as an effort to merely “sweep the issue under the rug”. He pointed out that Warring, with his extensive political background as a former All India Youth Congress President, three-time MLA, Cabinet Minister, and current Member of Parliament, should exhibit more awareness.

The Finance Minister asserted that attacking a respected political figure based on caste by someone with such a rich political background is not a blunder but a “crime born of caste arrogance that has hurt the sentiments of many and deserves legal consequences”. He underscored Buta Singh's significant stature, reminding that he was not an ordinary person but a highly respected leader in Raja Warring’s own party.

Cheema informed the media that Buta Singh had a background as a teacher and journalist before gaining fame as a powerful Union Home Minister. He expressed that it was “extremely unfortunate” for such a distinguished personality to face caste-based insults from a leader within his party who claims to be caste-conscious.

He recalled past casteist comments from other leaders like Pratap Singh Bajwa and Sunil Jakhar against a different party leader. Cheema urged the Congress to act swiftly to expel Raja Warring, cautioning that inaction would further confirm the party's persistent anti-Dalit stance. He reaffirmed that Punjab, inspired by the teachings of its Gurus and Saints, will never tolerate caste-based defamation.

The minister mentioned that the state government is actively promoting the message of human equality championed by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur during the 350th martyrdom anniversary celebrations. Additionally, the government is honoring the legacy of figures like Baba Jiwan Singh (Bhai Jaita-ji), who was honored with the title 'Ranghreta Guru Ka Beta' (Guru's son) by the tenth Guru Sahib, and is committed to passing down their legacy of respect to future generations.

Cheema characterized the Congress party’s actions as a revelation of its “true mentality”, which he found regrettable, especially when the AAP government is celebrating the descendants of these venerated figures.