Under attack, Rawat apologises for his 'Panj Pyare' remark

New Delhi

AICC general secretary Harish Rawat, who courted controversyby referring to the party's Punjab leadership as 'Panj Pyare', on Wednesdayapologised for hurting the sentiments of the people.

Rawat, who had arrived in Chandigarh on Tuesday amid the ongoing rift in theparty's state unit, had used the word 'Panj Pyare' for the Punjab Congresschief and four working presidents after a meeting at the Punjab CongressBhawan.

In Sikh tradition, 'Panj Pyare' is the term used for five beloved of the Guru.In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten Gurus, initiated five men intothe order of 'Khalsa' (pure).

'Panj Pyare' is the name given to five baptised Sikhs who perform a baptismceremony to initiate Sikhs into the order of the 'Khalsa'.

On his Facebook page on Wednesday, Rawat acknowledged his mistake for his 'PanjPyare' remark.
Sometimes by expressing respect, you use such words which are objectionable. Itoo have made a mistake of using the word 'Panj Pyare' for my honourablepresident and four working presidents, wrote Rawat.

He said he was a student of the country's history and the leading position of'Panj Pyare' could not be compared with any other. I have committed a mistake.I apologise for hurting the sentiments of people, he said.

Rawat, who is party's Punjab affairs in-charge, said he will clean a gurdwarain his state with a broom as atonement. He said that he always had a sense ofdedication and respect to Sikh religion and its great traditions. The ShiromaniAkali Dal had taken exception to Rawat's remarks and had sought an apology forthe same.

SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema had slammed Rawat for his remark and haddemanded that the state government should book him for hurting sentiments.