Dehradun: A political uproar has erupted in Uttarakhand following senior Congress leader and former Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat’s remarks about the Sikh community. Following the statement, members of the Sikh community burned an effigy of Rawat. In light of the escalating situation, Rawat went to a Gurudwara and offered a collective apology, offering penance. Former CM Harish Rawat has stated that admitting one’s mistake is true service. Regarding this matter, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Nothing should be done that hurts or harms anyone.”
Harak Singh Rawat’s statement controversy: A few days ago, while in Dehradun to express his support for the ongoing lawyers’ protest, Rawat made an offensive remark about a Sikh lawyer. However, Harak Singh Rawat did not realize that his arrogance would backfire on him. Following his statement, members of the Sikh community became enraged. Protests against Harak were held in several places, including Dehradun. Furthermore, the protests spread to Punjab. Seeing the escalating situation, Rawat finally backed down, apologizing and expressing regret. He also visited a Gurudwara and offered a collective apology and repented.
CM Dhami’s advice to Harak Singh: Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that such comments should not be made against any community. Sikhism has a rich history of gurus who never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the protection of religion, society, and culture, and for the honor of society. Looking at the history of the first guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, to Guru Dasmesh is inspiring. Guru Dasmesh had his children bricked into a wall, but he refused to surrender. In such a situation, the history and culture of the pious Sikhs are of immense significance. History bears witness to this. This is why no one, not even the BJP, will condone such actions.
The CM stated that the Sikh Gurus have a golden history: He also noted that Veerbal Day (December 26) is being celebrated across the country in the name of the princes at the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since becoming Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has accomplished numerous things, including punishing those responsible for the 1984 riots, building the Kartarpur Corridor, bringing back the Guru Granth Sahib from Afghanistan, and exempting the Golden Temple in Amritsar from income tax. Furthermore, a ropeway is being constructed at Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand to facilitate the travel of Sikh followers from across the country. Therefore, no action should be taken that would offend or harm anyone.
