Amid heightened political activity in Punjab ahead of the Tarn Taran by-election, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda launched a sharp attack on Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring for making a controversial remark about late Dalit leader Boota Singh. Dhanda called out Warring’s “offensive choice of words,” terming it a reflection of the Congress party’s “deep-rooted prejudice” against the Dalit community.
In a post shared on his official X handle, Dhanda wrote —
“पंजाब कांग्रेस के अध्यक्ष के ये शब्द दलित समाज के प्रति कांग्रेस की कुंठित सोच को दिखा रहे हैं। स्वर्गीय बूटा सिंह जी के बारे में ऐसी घटिया भाषा का इस्तेमाल करने के लिए न सिर्फ़ राजा वडिंग बल्कि @RahulGandhi को भी सार्वजनिक तौर पर माफ़ी माँगनी चाहिये।”
(The words of the Punjab Congress president reflect Congress’s distorted mindset toward the Dalit community. For using such disgraceful language about the late Boota Singh Ji, not only Raja Warring but also Rahul Gandhi should issue a public apology.)
Dhanda also shared a 16-second video clip in which Raja Warring can be heard referring to Boota Singh’s complexion and background, remarks that many have described as caste-insensitive.
The controversy erupted after Raja Warring said that Boota Singh, who belonged to the Valmiki community and was a Mazhabi Sikh, had a darker complexion but was still appointed as the Union Home Minister due to his service and merit. His comments have sparked outrage across the state, with the Punjab State Scheduled Caste Commission taking suo motu cognizance and issuing a notice to Warring.
The AAP has intensified its criticism, with Dhanda and other party leaders accusing Congress of hypocrisy and disrespect toward the Dalit community. The issue is expected to have political repercussions ahead of the upcoming by-poll.
