A major controversy has erupted in Haryana after an objectionable social media post by Kapil Vij, the brother of state cabinet minister Anil Vij. According to sources, Kapil made the controversial post on his social media account on Tuesday, which quickly went viral. A large number of Sikh users condemned and criticised him for the post.
Although Kapil Vij deleted the objectionable post, screenshots of it had already spread widely across social media platforms. In an attempt to defuse the situation, Kapil posted on Thursday: "I made an expression through a post on Tuesday. If anybody is hurt by my post, then I accept my mistake. I respect all Gurus."
HSGMC forms probe team
The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) took serious note of the matter. In an official social media post, HSGMC stated: "Kapil Vij made an objectionable post on Facebook. Taking it seriously, HSGMC president Jagdish Singh Jhinda has taken immediate action. A five-member special team has been dispatched to Ambala to seek clarification from Kapil Vij."
Political reactions
INLD leader Onkar Singh commented: "The Sikh community respects people of all faiths. But we cannot tolerate any distortion of Sikh beliefs. Kapil Vij should take advice from learned Sikhs in his circle before making such posts." Haryana president of Shiromani Akali Dal, Harkesh Singh Mohri, said: "The brother of minister Anil Vij has accepted his mistake but he has not apologised. He will have to apologise, otherwise we shall launch an agitation."
The controversy continues to simmer, with Sikh organisations demanding a formal apology and assurance that such incidents will not recur.
