By
BJP Condemns Rahul Gandhi’s Remark, Calls It Insensitive and Unacceptable
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday said the entire Sikh community is deeply anguished over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referring to Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu as a “traitor”.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri strongly condemned Gandhi’s remark, calling it irresponsible and offensive to the Sikh community.
‘Traitor’ Remark Cannot Be Taken Lightly: Hardeep Singh Puri
Puri alleged that Rahul Gandhi used the word “traitor” merely because Bittu had left the Congress and joined the BJP.
“The word ‘traitor’ cannot be used casually. It implies betrayal of the nation. This is an extremely sensitive issue for the Sikh community,” Puri said.
Highlighting Bittu’s family legacy, the Union minister said Ravneet Singh Bittu is not just a Member of Parliament from Ludhiana but comes from a Sikh family that has made immense sacrifices for the country.
“His grandfather, Sardar Beant Singh, who served as Chief Minister of Punjab, was assassinated. And you call his grandson a traitor? This is completely unacceptable,” Puri added.
BJP Says Sikh Community Feels Insulted
Senior BJP leader Arvinder Singh Lovely also criticised Rahul Gandhi, stating that his comments had hurt the sentiments of Sikhs across the country.
“The entire Sikh community is extremely anguished. Such language against a Sikh leader with a distinguished family background is unfortunate,” Lovely said.
War of Words Inside Parliament Complex
The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu exchanged sharp words inside the Parliament House complex on Wednesday.
Videos released by the Congress showed the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha allegedly calling Bittu a “traitor”, while the Union Minister was heard responding with the phrase “desh ke dushman” (enemy of the nation).
The incident took place amid heightened political tensions during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
Political Row Intensifies
The BJP accused the Congress of lowering political discourse and disrespecting Sikh sentiments, while demanding accountability from Rahul Gandhi for his remarks.
The Congress has not issued a formal clarification on the matter so far.
