Chandigarh, 28 October 2024: Punjab Congress chief and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring issued a formal apology Monday to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, following backlash over his recent remarks criticizing the highest Sikh religious authority. The written apology, also shared on social media, came after Warring’s comments stirred controversy within the Sikh community.
Last Thursday, Warring alleged that the recent declaration of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal as ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht was part of a prearranged plan that involved the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Warring claimed the Akal Takht was being directed by “people of Badal,” implying political interference within the Sikh clergy.
Responding sharply, Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh stated, “He (Warring) has hurt the sovereignty and respect of Akal Takht Sahib by making misleading statements. Akal Takht Sahib symbolizes the miri-piri concept (the union of religious and temporal authority in the Sikh faith). Raja Warring has spoken against the sanctity of Takht, and it cannot be tolerated.”
In a letter written in Gurmukhi to Giani Raghbir Singh, Warring sought forgiveness, emphasizing his respect for the Akal Takht and its Jathedar. “Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar Sahib are very respectful to me,” Warring wrote.
“As a humble Sikh, I have always followed the rules of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and will continue to do so throughout my life. I cannot even think of making any objectionable remarks about the position you hold. My comments were directed at another political party. However, if I have inadvertently hurt the dignity and ambition of this great institution, I bow my head before Sri Akal Takht Sahib and seek forgiveness from Jathedar Sahib.”
