New Delhi: The Congress Punjab in-charge Harish Rawat stirred up a controversy when he complimented Punjab Congress chief Navjot Sidhu and the four working presidents under him as "Panj Pyaras".
On Tuesday, Rawat equated Sidhu and his working presidents to the "Panj Pyaras" inducted into the Khalsa by Guru Govind Singh.
"It was my responsibility to discuss with the PCC chief, his team, and 'Panj Pyare'. Sidhu has told me that the discussions over polls, organizational structure will be geared up...Rest assured, PCC is working," Rawat had told the media according to ANI.
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Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former education minister, Dr. Diljit S. Cheema in a statement said that Harish Rawat owes an apology to the Sikh community, he also said that Rawat should withdraw his comment.
Cheema shared a video lashing out at Rawat, saying that such remarks are not a joke and hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community.
"It is very sad and disappointing that the Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat has said that the meeting was chaired with the Panj Pyare. The 'Panj Pyaras' are respected and honoured in the Sikh Community. I would request Harish Rawat that is not at all a matter of joke, such remarks hurt the sentiments of the Sikh Community," Cheema said.
He further accused the Congress of being anti-Sikh and hurting Sikh sentiments. "The Congress has always been anti-Sikh and hurting Sikh sentiments. Statements made by Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat should be withdrawn immediately, and the entire Congress should apologize to the entire Sikh community," Cheema tweeted sharing the video.
In response, Harish Rawat apologized for hurting the feelings of people and said that he used the word (Panj Pyare) as a reference for a respected person. He further stated that he takes his words back and that he will sweep the floors of a Gurudwara in Uttarakhand for atonement.
"I used that word (Panj Pyare) as a reference for a respected person. Still, if my words hurt the feelings of any person, I apologize & take my words back. For atonement, I'll sweep the floors of a Gurudwara in my state (Uttarakhand)", he said.