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Kelowna West MLA Ben Stewart has made the news in India after dropping a gaffe on social media.
The BC United representative told his followers on X that he had enjoyed “warm butter chicken” at the Vaisakhi parade in Kelowna over the weekend.
His post quickly proved controversial, with Harman Bhangu, the vice president of the Conservative Party of BC, joining others in attacking Stewart.
They said he ought to have known only vegetarian dishes were served during the parade, or nagar kirtan.
“You should be ashamed for either lying — or worse, eating meat at a Sikh event,” Bhangu wrote.
Had a fantastic time at the #KelownaVaisakhi Parade, celebrating diversity and community spirit.
— Kevin Falcon (@KevinFalcon) April 27, 2024
It was wonderful to soak in the vibrant culture and traditions with everyone.
Thank you for coming together, even in the rain, to embrace the beauty of Vaisakhi! 🌾🎉 pic.twitter.com/CnpvWcSwYM
“That’s just disrespectful.
“Take some time to learn about communities before you show up at events to ask them to vote for you.”
Stewart later deleted the post and apologized to Sikhs and also Bhangu.
“I sincerely apologize for the mistake,” Stewart wrote to Bhangu, adding: “Regardless even on a rainy afternoon the warmth & hospitality of the community is unrivalled. Thank you again for your understanding.”
Bhangu thanked Stewart for his apology and acknowledged that "mistakes happen."
In a post to his main feed, Stewart told his followers he “made a mistake” by writing something that “did not reflect the respect and admiration I hold for the Sikh community.”
“I deeply value the Sikh community’s contributions to our province and apologize for my error.”
He said he had enjoyed some “delicious shahi paneer,” a curry dish made with cheese.
I’m grateful to have joined the Vaisakhi Parade, enjoying the delicious Shahi Paneer and the generosity of the Sikh community. Unfortunately, I made a mistake in my recent tweet that did not reflect the respect and admiration I hold for the Sikh community. I deeply value the…
— Ben Stewart (@benstewartbc) April 28, 2024
The Indian press, however, has been quick to report on the story.
The Times of India – which has 14.6 million followers on X – posted an article explaining that Stewart sparked a “row” with his post.
The story carries quotes from “Canadian Sikh Jaspal Singh,” who told the outlet Stewart had shown “ignorance of the Sikh religion, which is shameful.”
Another article was also posted by News9.
BC MLA Ben Stewart faced backlash for thanking Rutland Temple and the South Asian community, and mentioning 'Butter Chicken'. His remarks offended Sikh sentiments despite representing a constituency with a significant Sikh population. https://t.co/22Es9qmZ7W
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) April 29, 2024
Stewart was joined at the parade in Kelowna by BC United’s leader, Kevin Falcon.
Falcon posted that he had a “fantastic time” at the event and enjoyed “celebrating diversity and community spirit.”
“It was wonderful to soak in the vibrant culture and traditions with everyone,” he wrote.
Stewart, who was first elected to the provincial legislature in 2009, now serves as the shadow minister for tourism and trade.
He is set to step down at the next election, which is scheduled to be held on or before Oct. 19.
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