Punjab Scheduled Castes Commission Initiates Action Over Controversial Remark
The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes has taken suo motu notice of a remark made by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa concerning Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO. Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi stated that the panel became aware of the incident through social media platforms, where Congress leader Bajwa was alleged to have used "abusive language" directed at Minister ETO.
Commission Seeks Report and Summons Bajwa
In response to the viral content, Chairman Garhi disclosed that the commission has formally requested a detailed report from the Amritsar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). This report must be submitted through a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) or Superintendent of Police (SP)-level officer by 3 PM on February 11. Simultaneously, the commission has summoned Partap Singh Bajwa to appear at the same time to provide a personal explanation regarding the controversial video.
Context of the Controversial Remark
The remark in question was delivered by Bajwa during a Congress rally held in Jandiala on Friday. In a video that rapidly gained traction online, Bajwa referred to Harbhajan Singh ETO as a "band player" (band vajaun wala). He further added that the Congress party would "take him to task" and asserted, "ehda band asin vajaavange", which translates to "we will play his band" when the party returns to power. This statement has ignited significant political debate across Punjab.
Political Reactions and Interpretations
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership has strongly condemned Bajwa's comment, labeling it a "casteist slur" and "a direct insult to the dalit community". They argue that such language perpetuates discrimination and undermines social harmony. In contrast, the Congress leadership has attempted to clarify the situation, stating that Bajwa's words were not intended to target any specific community. They maintain that he was merely employing a common idiom or figure of speech, without malicious intent towards caste groups.
Despite these clarifications, the remark has generated considerable political heat within the state, highlighting ongoing tensions and sensitivities surrounding caste-based discourse in Punjab's political landscape. The commission's intervention underscores the legal and social implications of such statements, particularly under laws protecting Scheduled Castes from derogatory remarks.
