National SC panel says will probe Warring’s ‘casteist remarks’ on Buta Singh

Earlier in the day, taking cognisance of news reports in which BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh criticised the Congress for showing “blatant disrespect” towards the marginalised communities, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes said it has decided to probe the incident under the powers vested in it under Article 338 of the Constitution.

In a notice, the commission directed the deputy commissioner and the senior superintendent of police of Tarn Taran district to submit an action-taken report within seven days. The report is to include details such as the date and location of the incident, particulars of the victims and accused, FIR details, sections invoked, arrests made, charge sheets filed, and compensation provided under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The notice further cautioned that failure to respond within the stipulated time may lead to the commission exercising its civil court powers under Article 338, including the issuance of summons for personal appearance.

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission too has taken a suo motu notice of Warring’s remarks and asked him to appear before it on November 6.

On Monday, Warring tendered an unconditional apology, saying that Buta Singh, a veteran Congress leader, was like a father figure to him, and he could never mean any disrespect to him or to anyone else. He has asserted that his remarks were made in a positive context, highlighting that Congress has been an inclusive party that gives everyone a chance on merit, not based on caste, creed or religion.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Tuesday slammed the Congress, saying Warring’s remarks exposed the mindset of the opposition party’s leaders.

“He made casteist remarks and now he is seeking an apology. They do not want someone from a poor family to move forward. They cannot tolerate people from common families,” said Mann, while campaigning for AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu for the bypoll.

Separately, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said Warring’s “casteist” comment was “unpardonable” and the AAP will submit a representation to the EC, seeking action against the Ludhiana MP.

Addressing the media, Cheema said Warring insulted Buta Singh, “spewing the poison of casteism.” It reflects the “mentality” of Warring against the poor and Dalits, he said, and asked the Congress president to expel Warring from the party.

On his apology, Cheema said, “The crime he committed was unpardonable… he committed a big crime.” Cheema said the party’s legal cell will submit a representation to the ECI in the matter.