Chandigarh: AICC general secretary Harish Rawat on Wednesday apologised for for his 'Panj Pyare' remark hurting the sentiments of Sikh Community.
He called 'Panj Pyare' to the Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and four working presidents at the Punjab Congress Bhawan.
In Sikh tradition, 'Panj Pyare' term is used for five beloved of the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten Gurus, initiated five men into the order of 'Khalsa' (pure).
“Sometimes by expressing respect, you use such words which are objectionable. I too have made a mistake of using the word 'Panj Pyare' for my honourable president and four working presidents,” wrote Rawat on FB.He agreed that 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 added.
The Shiromani Akali Dal had had sought an apology for this controversial remark for hurting sentiments.