Chandigarh: The controversy surrounding Congress state president Raja Warring over alleged disrespect to Sikh religious symbols continues to escalate ahead of the Tarn Taran bypoll scheduled for Tuesday.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has approached Tarn Taran police requesting registration of a criminal case against Warring. The police, however, are taking a legal opinion before deciding the next course of action. SSP Surendra Lamba stated that any action will be based on the legal advice received.
The controversy stems from an incident on November 8, when Warring, during a campaign event, was seen in a viral 17-second video touching the “joora” (traditional hair bun) of two young Sikh boys while making a playful sound mimicking a horn, saying in Punjabi, “Kidhar chale hai do sardaar, toon toon toon toon?” Critics claim the act mocked Sikh symbols.
Sikh scholar Surinder Singh Jodhka condemned the gesture, saying, “Raja Warring’s act was offensive. Not just Sikhs, all religions should be respected. No religious symbol should be ridiculed. The Congress should act against him first.”
The Shiromani Akali Dal and other opposition parties have urged the Akal Takht to take action. AAP spokesperson MP Malvinder Singh Kang called for intervention and a social boycott of Warring.
This marks Warring’s second major controversy in November. Earlier, he faced backlash for allegedly making casteist remarks against the late Dalit leader Buta Singh, for which he had issued an unconditional apology.
Political analyst Jagrup Singh Sekhon criticized Warring’s conduct, noting, “A mature leader should be aware of Punjab’s historical and religious sensitivities. His recent actions distract from the real issues facing the people and raise questions about his suitability as state party president.”
As of now, Warring has not publicly commented on the ‘joora disrespect’ incident, in contrast to his previous apology over the casteist remarks. The controversy has stirred debate on social media, with the clip circulating widely on platforms including X (formerly Twitter).
