Caste Remarks Row: Punjab SC Commission summons LoP Partap Singh Bajwa
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 10, 2026: Domestic helpers at the residences of Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa in Sector 8 and Sector 39 here allegedly refused to accept notices issued by the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission, the Commission’s Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi said on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Garhi stated that an employee of the SC Commission had twice visited Bajwa’s residences to deliver a suo motu notice related to alleged casteist remarks against Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, but the notices were not accepted.
Mr. Garhi said that Partap Singh Bajwa was earlier issued a notice during the Tarn Taran election, and a second notice has now been issued in another case within a span of 90 days.
He alleged that such statements reflect a feudal mindset and anti-Dalit attitude of the Congress leadership.
He further claimed that Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has also made statements reflecting an anti-Dalit mindset, adding that the Commission would soon initiate action against him as well.
Highlighting the life journey of Harbhajan Singh ETO, Mr. Garhi said that after completing MA and B.Ed., he worked tirelessly to educate children, later cleared the Punjab Civil Services Examination, and served as an Excise and Taxation Officer. He said Harbhajan Singh ETO has consistently worked for the upliftment of marginalized sections and has been a source of pride for the community.
The Chairman alleged that the Congress Party has historically humiliated Dalits and that present-day leaders are continuing the same approach through hate speeches. He accused the party of creating hurdles for Babasaheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, including attempts to block his entry into the Constituent Assembly.
Mr. Garhi further alleged that the constituency from which Babasaheb won was later given to Pakistan despite having 58 per cent non-Muslim population, contrary to the partition principle that areas with over 50 per cent non-Muslim population would remain in India.
He also alleged that the Congress created obstacles in implementing Dalit rights recommended by the Simon Commission, stating that Mahatma Gandhi’s fast in Pune jail led to Babasaheb abandoning the demand for separate double voting rights for Dalits.
He said Congress leaders today falsely claim credit for Dalit welfare, whereas the rights of Dalits are secured through the Indian Constitution framed by Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Mr. Garhi said that if Partap Singh Bajwa has faith in the Indian Constitution, he should appear before the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission and submit his explanation on February 11, 2026, at 3 pm.