Harish Rawat apologises for ‘Panj Pyare’ remark: ‘Will sweep floor of gurdwara as atonement’

Harish Rawat, who is party’s Punjab affairs in-charge, said he will sweep the premises of a gurdwara in his state with a broom as atonement.

On his Facebook page on Wednesday, Rawat acknowledged his 'mistake' for his 'Panj Pyare' remark. (File)

CONGRESS PUNJAB in-charge Harish Rawat on Wednesday apologised for referring to the party’s Punjab leadership as ‘Panj Pyare’ and said he will atone for his remark by sweeping the floor at a gurdwara.

He had referred to PPCC chief Navjot Singh and four working presidents as Panj Pyare after a meeting at the Punjab Congress Bhawan.

Rawat, who had arrived in Chandigarh on Tuesday amid the rift in the party’s state unit, had used the term “Panj Pyare” for the state Congress chief and four working presidents after a meeting at Punjab Congress Bhawan.

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In Sikh tradition, ‘Panj Pyare’ is the term used for five beloved of the Guru. In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten Gurus, initiated five men into the order of ‘Khalsa’ (pure). ‘Panj Pyare’ is the name given to five baptised Sikhs who perform a baptism ceremony to initiate Sikhs into the order of the ‘Khalsa’.

Rawat apologised for his remark on his Facebook page. “Sometimes to express respect, you use such words which are objectionable. I too have made a mistake of using ‘Panj Pyare’ for my honourable president and four working presidents,” he wrote.

He added that he was a student of the country’s history and ‘Panj Pyare’ could not be compared with any other.

“I have committed a mistake. I apologise for hurting the sentiments of people, “ he said, adding that he has always had a sense of dedication and respect for the Sikh religion.

With PTI inputs

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