Amrita Warring also allegedly claimed that the Congress adopted its ‘Hand’ symbol to pay homage to Guru Nanak Dev Ji– the founder of Sikhism.

Punjab Lok Sabha Election 2024: Amrita Warring, the wife of Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Warring, Monday, likened the grand-old party’s ‘hand’ symbol, to the iconic ‘panja‘ (hand) gesture of Guru Nanak— the first Sikh Guru, triggering a political firestorm with parties from both sides of the fence, including INDIA bloc ally Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), castigating her over the remarks.

Amrita reportedly made the remarks while addressing an election event. “Main Gurua de Panje lai vote mangan ayi han (I have come to seek votes in the name of the Guru’s hand),” she is heard saying to the attendees at the function.

Amrita Warring also allegedly claimed that the Congress adopted its ‘Hand’ symbol to pay homage to Guru Nanak Dev Ji– the founder of Sikhism. She said the party’s original symbol was actually “inspired” by the revered Sikh Guru’s ‘panja’, hinting that the Congress had adopted the ‘hand’ symbol to pay homage to Guru Nanak.

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While addressing a public gathering, Amrita Warring asked the Congress workers to vote for the ‘Panja’ (Congress symbol) “Main Gurua De Panje Lai Vote Mangan Ayi Han” pic.twitter.com/fW0HeXDACT

— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) April 29, 2024

The backlash

However, Amrita’s comments triggered a political storm, drawing condemnation from various quarters, including the Punjab’s ruling AAP, the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), who castigated her for dragging the name of Guru Nanak in politics.

“Touch a bit of wisdom, Amrita Warring. The Congress government killed the youth in Punjab. Pushed Punjab into a dark period, imposed emergency, charged tanks on our holy Gurdham Darbar Sahib. How did this bloody paw become equal to Baba Nanak’s paw?,” the Punjab unit of AAP wrote on its X handle.

AAP has also demanded an explanation from state Congress unit chief Amrinder Singh Warring over his wife’s remarks while the SAD also voiced their objection to Amrita’s comments, asserting that Amrinder Warring has “completely lost the plot”.

“This divisive group from Punjab has attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib and has caused immense suffering to millions of Sikhs. Please do not compare it with Guru Sahib for your petty politics,” the SAD wrote in post on X.

BJP leader and former MLA Impreet Singh Bakshi also attacked Amrita Warring for her remarks, asserting that Guru Nanak’s legacy deserves better and must not be dragged into politics.

“Enough with the distortion and manipulation! @AmritaWarring’s blatant disregard for truth is appalling. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s legacy deserves better than being dragged into political agendas. @INCIndia, it’s time to clean house and prioritize integrity over propaganda,” said in a X post.

Amrinder Singh is the contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls from the Ludhiana seat against three-time MP and Congress turncoat Ravneet Singh Bittu, who joined the BJP ahead of the general elections.

Punjab goes to polls in the last phase (Phase 7) of the Lok Sabha election 2024 on June 1.