Chandigarh, August 5
With nearly twenty‑five years in politics, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring — now the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) and Ludhiana MP — has carved a formidable journey. Beginning as Block Youth Congress President in 2000, he steadily rose through the ranks, from district leadership in Muktsar to becoming a national voice as president of All India Youth Congress. His first taste of electoral success came in 2012, when he won the Gidderbaha Assembly seat, a victory he repeated twice more in subsequent elections. In September 2021, he reached another milestone, taking charge as Punjab’s Transport Minister under Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Following the Congress’s poll debacle in 2022, Warring was entrusted with the reins of the PPCC. Two years later, during the 2024 general elections, he was fielded against three‑time MP Ravneet Singh Bittu in Ludhiana — a contest he won, catapulting him into the immense limelight. Warring has long enjoyed prominence but never has the glare been as intense as it is today — and ironically, much of it for the wrong reasons.
Skin Colour Remark on Buta Singh Triggers Dalit Backlash
Ahead of the Tarn Taran by‑election in November last year, Warring allegedly made a remark about the skin colour of the late former Union Home Minister Buta Singh, a leader from the Scheduled Caste community. Though Warring quickly issued an “unconditional apology,” the Congress suffered electoral damage, with Opposition parties accusing it of showing disrespect towards Dalits.
Viral Video of Warring Touching Minors’ Jooda Sparks Row
A few days later, Warring found himself in fresh controversy when the SGPC lodged a complaint with the Tarn Taran SSP over a viral video in which he was allegedly seen touching the jooda (hair bun) of two minor boys. As the clip spread widely, SGPC members demanded the registration of an FIR, alleging that Warring’s actions in the video were disrespectful.
Divergent Stand on CBI Probe
Another controversy surrounding Warring erupted in March this year when, diverging from the party’s official stand, he refused to support a CBI probe into the alleged suicide of Punjab Warehousing Corporation District Manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa in Amritsar. Warring defended his position by arguing that the CBI had lost credibility under the BJP government. However, fellow Congress MPs from Punjab took the opposite view, insisting on a CBI investigation in line with the victim’s family’s demand and stressing that the sentiments of the aggrieved family must be respected.
Remark on Carrying Shoes on Head Triggers Sikh Sentiment Row
Furthermore, according to media reports, during an interaction with mediapersons on July 10 this year, Warring landed in yet another controversy after remarking, “Kisi bhi vyakti ke agar joote bhi sir par uthane pade to main woh bhi karne ke liye taiyar hoon.” The BJP termed the statement as hurtful to Sikh sentiments, arguing that it amounted to disrespecting the sanctity of the dastar (turban) and demanded an unconditional apology from the Punjab Congress president.
Bus Body Procurement Row Continues to Shadow Warring
In June 2022, the Shiromani Akali Dal demanded a CBI probe into bus‑body procurement carried out during Warring’s tenure as Punjab Transport Minister. Citing information obtained through RTI, the party alleged that contracts awarded to a Jaipur‑based firm were costlier than locally available options, causing losses to the state exchequer. Separately, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann publicly accused Warring of wrongdoing during his time in office. However, Warring had been denying all the allegations as completely baseless.
‘Batting for AAP’: BJP’s Charge Against Warring
Interestingly, there is a growing perception in Punjab that Warring has been soft on the ruling AAP. BJP leaders have openly alleged that he is “batting for AAP,” claiming he fears the reopening of his file related to the alleged bus scam and has therefore reached an internal understanding with the ruling party.
The Ultimate Test Lies Ahead
Amid these controversies, Warring now faces strong resistance from the camp of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, which is pressing for his removal. The AICC, however, has made it clear that Warring will continue as PPCC president. The next six months and the subsequent election results will ultimately decide whether Warring emerges vindicated or whether his detractors prove right.
(Views expressed are personal.)