Punjab Congress Chief Raja Warring Faces Backlash Over Remark on Former Home Minister Buta Singh

November 4, 2025

Amritsar: Punjab Congress chief and MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has landed in controversy after referring to former Union Home Minister Buta Singh, a respected Dalit leader, as “dark-skinned” during a public speech. The comment, which surfaced through a viral video, has drawn sharp criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dalit organisations, and the Punjab SC/ST Commission.

What Raja Warring Said About Buta Singh

During a campaign for the Tarn Taran by-election, Raja Warring sought to highlight the Congress party’s history of promoting leaders from humble backgrounds. However, his words have been widely condemned as casteist and insensitive.

Warring said:

“The Congress Party appointed a dark-skinned man, who used to cut fodder in people’s homes, as the Union Home Minister.”

The remark was seen as a reference to Sardar Buta Singh, who served as Union Home Minister, Railway Minister, Bihar Governor, and Chairman of the SC/ST Commission during his long political career.

Raja Warring Issues Clarification and Apology

As the controversy escalated, Raja Warring issued a clarification on social media, stating that his remarks were being “distorted and taken out of context.”

He said:

“My statement was distorted. I did not intend to offend anyone. However, if anyone was offended, I apologize with folded hands.”

Despite the apology, several political and community leaders have rejected Warring’s explanation, calling for disciplinary and legal action.

SC/ST Commission Takes Notice, Seeks Explanation

The Punjab State SC Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter. Commission Chairman Jasbir Singh Garhi issued a notice to Raja Warring, demanding a written explanation by November 6.

The Commission stated that such remarks, even if unintended, can hurt the sentiments of the Dalit community and violate provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

AAP’s Strong Reaction: Demand for Warring’s Expulsion

The Aam Aadmi Party has seized on the issue, demanding strong action against Warring.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the AAP government will take legal action against Warring and urged the Congress National President to expel him from the party.

Meanwhile, AAP leader Harnoor Singh Mann, who is also Buta Singh’s nephew, condemned Warring’s remarks, saying:

“Despicable people like Warring are not even worth the dust at the feet of the late Buta Singh.”

Mann emphasized that his uncle, Buta Singh, rose from poverty through hard work and dedication, earning respect across party lines.

Valmiki Community Protests and Plans Demonstration

The Valmiki community, which holds Buta Singh in high regard, has also expressed outrage. Community leaders have announced a protest in Jalandhar, demanding that the Congress take immediate action against Warring.

Protesters say that the remark reflects deep-seated prejudice and cannot be dismissed as a mere “slip of tongue.”

Who Was Sardar Buta Singh?

Sardar Buta Singh (1934–2021) was a senior Congress leader and one of India’s most prominent Dalit politicians.

• Eight-time Lok Sabha MP

• Union Home Minister and Railway Minister

• Governor of Bihar

• Chairman of the National SC/ST Commission

• Played a key role in organizing the 1982 Delhi Asian Games

Buta Singh’s political journey — from humble beginnings to holding top national offices — is often cited as an inspiring story of resilience and leadership within the Congress party.