From Akal Takht to Buta Singh: Times when Raja Warring made headlines over his controversial remarks
PTC News Desk: Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is once again making headlines after he stepped down as Punjab Congress chief, just months before the assembly elections. The change, which came just a few months before the Assembly elections, has once again brought the internal politics of the Punjab Congress into the spotlight. Warring had been leading the state Congress since April 2022. During his tenure, the Congress won seven of Punjab’s 13 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general elections.
Warring took charge of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee in April 2022, shortly after Congress' Punjab unit had faced a drubbing from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Channi had briefly served as chief minister after the Congress removed Captain Amarinder Singh ahead of the party’s defeat in the 2022 elections. At that time, the party was facing internal tensions linked to Navjot Singh Sidhu. Although Sidhu is no longer with the Congress, similar differences appeared to resurface, particularly after the party decided to retain Warring in July. The party’s then Punjab in-charge, Bhupesh Baghel, was also seen by some leaders as favouring Warring.
However, as the party infighting over the leadership peaked this year, this is not the first time that Warring has come under spotlight. There have been several incidents when Warring stoked a row over his controversial remarks.
Major controversies involving Raja Warring since 2022
Factionalism within Punjab Congress
The biggest political Raja Warring has so far faced is battling the party infighting over the leadership. While a group of leaders rallied around former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Warring led another faction. The rivalry seemingly became public months before 2027 Assembly elections.
Criticism over remarks concerning the Akal Takht
In October 2024, Warring received massive criticism from Sikh intellectuals, opposition figures and some Congress leaders over remarks concerning the Akal Takht and Sikh high priests. Critics argued that his comments questioned the authority of the institution. Warring subsequently apologised. He said he respected the Akal Takht and its Jathedar and that he had not intended to disrespect the institution or its maryada. In a later written apology, Warring said that if his remarks had inadvertently hurt the dignity of the Akal Takht, he bowed his head and sought forgiveness.
Remarks against Buta Singh
During an election rally, Warring made remarks referring to Buta Singh’s caste and physical appearance. Buta Singh’s family and Dalit organisations alleged that the comments were derogatory and insulting to his legacy. Buta Singh’s son Sarabjot Singh filed a complaint with the police. An FIR was subsequently registered against Warring under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Warring later apologised unconditionally, saying he had not intended to disrespect Buta Singh and describing the late Congress leader as a father figure.
Allegedly 'teasing' Sikh children in Tarn Taran
Raja Warring yet against courted a fresh controversy with his statement what Shiromani Akali Dal described as 'hurting Sikh sentiments'. A video from the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election campaign went viral, showing Raja Warring touching jooda (hair-bun) of two minor boys. The video quickly drew backlash from the SGPC and the members demanded registration of an FIR against Warring, calling the actions 'disrespectful'.
Allegations by Navjot Kaur Sidhu
In February 2026, Navjot Kaur Sidhu made serious allegations against Warring, including claims involving a ₹2,400-crore scam, alleged land acquisition and alleged misuse of youth membership fees. Warring rejected the allegations as unfounded.
Allegations over purchase of bus bodies
A separate controversy emerged later concerning bus-body fabrication contracts during Warring's tenure. A Punjab Vigilance Bureau inquiry examined the procurement of 841 buses, including a contract for bus bodies from a Jaipur-based firm at ₹11.98 lakh per bus. Reports said the inquiry was examining allegations that the cost was substantially higher than rates offered by some Punjab-based firms. Warring has faced allegations in connection with this matter, but the reported inquiry itself does not establish wrongdoing.
- PTC NEWS
