Senior Congress leader and unit in-charge of Punjab, Harish Rawat, on Wednesday, 1 September, issued a statement of apology for his remarks equating Punjab Congress chief Navjot Sidhu and four working presidents under him with 'Punj Pyare', inducted into the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh.
Rawat, as per media reports, apologised and said:
"Sometimes while showing respect, you use words that are objectionable. I too made the mistake of using the term Punj Pyare for the Punjab chief (Mr Sidhu) and his working presidents.
Pointing out that he is a student of history, Rawat also said that “the Punj Pyare cannot be equated with anybody.”
Thereby, he went on to apologise for hurting sentiments and said that “as penance” he will “go to a gurdwara in my state and clean the complex with a broom.”
Furore Preceding Rawat's Apology
Rawat's apology comes after his remarks stoked furore, with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesperson Daljeet S Cheema on Tuesday, alleging that a statement made by the Punjab Congress in-charge had hurt Sikh sentiments, and urged the state government to take action against Rawat.
Rawat, who had had met with Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and the four working presidents of the party on Tuesday, had been quoted as saying by news agency ANI:
"It was my responsibility to discuss with the PCC chief, his team and our 'Panj Pyare' (Navjot Singh Sidhu + four working presidents). Sidhu has told me that the discussions over polls, organisational structure will be geared up... Rest assured, PCC is working."
Taking offence at the use of the sobriquet 'Panj Pyaare', which denotes five prominent Sikh figures, SAD leader Cheema stated, "I urge Punjab govt to lodge a case against Congress' Harish Rawat for hurting Sikh sentiments by referring to PCC chief and his team as 'Panj Pyare'," ANI reported.
"He should know that Panj Pyare holds significance in Sikhism, should apologize for his remarks, it's not funny," Cheema added.
Rawat's Meeting With Sidhu, PCC Working Presidents
Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat had met the state's Party President Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday at the Punjab Congress Bhawan in Chandigarh. Shortly afterwards, Rawat said it was "my duty to meet the PCC chief."
He also complimented Sidhu and said:
"As far as I know, Navjot Singh Sidhu is the first PCC chief who held a meeting with all frontal organisations and others to find out that where are they facing problems in their functions and how can it be resolved."
Rawat had also informed the press that he will be meeting Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh at 12 pm on Wednesday.
As per the Punjab Congress Twitter handle, working presidents Pawan Goel, Kuljit Nagra, and General Secretary Pargat Singh were also present at the meeting.
The meeting reportedly comes amid continuing turmoil in the state party unit.
What Did Rawat Say After the Meeting?
Besides complimenting Sidhu, Rawat went on to point out that assembly polls are approaching in the state and "some committees have to be formed over it."
"So, it was my duty to meet the PCC chief and his team for discussions. I'm thankful to Sidhu ji, he said that he will gear up almost all the processes within 15 days."Harish Rawat
Addressing the press, a little before the meeting, Rawat had, as per ANI, said:
“If there is any issue, it will be resolved. I’m here (in Punjab) for few days. Those who want to meet me, are welcome. As of now, Chandigarh (party) president has been called for meeting.”
Previously
Previously, on Saturday, 28 August, Rawat met party leader Rahul Gandhi at his residence in Delhi. Following the meeting, Rawat was quoted by ANI as saying:
"I have already briefed the Congress President (Sonia Gandhi). I will go to Punjab in a day or two. I will definitely meet CM Captain Amarinder Singh and PCC Chief Navjot Singh Sidhu."
Rawat had reportedly met party President Sonia Gandhi on Friday, 27 August, regarding the developments in Punjab Congress, including the row over Navjot Singh Sidhu and his advisers' remarks.
On Friday, the newly-appointed Punjab Congress President Navjot Singh Sidhu said that he will "not spare anyone" if not allowed to make decisions. "I have asked the high command to allow me to take decisions and I will ensure that the Congress prospers in the state for the next two decades. Nahin toh eint se eint bajaa doon (I will not spare anyone),” he said.
Meanwhile, Sidhu's adviser Malwinder Singh Mali had resigned on 27 August, amid the controversy over his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir.
(With inputs from NDTV and ANI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)