SUNDAY UPDATE:

BC United MLA Ben Stewart on Sunday apologized for his comment.

Stewart tweeted: “I sincerely apologize for the mistake. Regardless even on a rainy afternoon the warmth & hospitality of the community is unrivalled. Thank you again for your understanding.”

Bhangu responded: “Thank you, Ben, for the apology. I do understand mistakes happen. I appreciate you reaching out. Much appreciated, Sir.”

POLITICIANS in their desperate attempts to win over the powerful South Asian community’s votes and resources keep putting their foot in their mouth — in the latest case, butter chicken — while trying to highlight the importance of Vaisakhi!

Instead of emphasizing the religious meaning of the highly important event for Sikhs, they have referred to Nagar Kirtans (parades) as “parties,” thus angering the community.

The latest blunder was by BC United MLA for Kelowna West, Ben Stewart, who tweeted: “Thank you for such a warm welcome by the Rutland Temple and South Asian community. Fantastic warm Butter Chicken even in the rain.”

The tweet was deleted when the adverse reactions started pouring in.

BC Conservative Party Vice President Harman Bhangu tweeted to Stewart: “You should be ashamed for either lying — or worse, eating meat at a Sikh event. That’s just disrespectful. Take some time to learn about communities before you show up at events to ask them to vote for you. Cultural communities aren’t your vote bank.”