Union Minister Ravneet Bittu Apologises Unconditionally Before Punjab SC Commission
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu appeared before the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes in Chandigarh on Wednesday and tendered an unconditional apology in connection with alleged casteist remarks that had prompted the commission to take suo motu cognisance. Bittu had failed to appear during the previous two hearings.
Commission Chairperson Details Proceedings
Commission chairperson Jasvir Singh Garhi stated, "The commission had taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged use of caste-indicative terminology by the minister. The first hearing was held on June 4, when Bittu’s advocate appeared and sought time to place his version on record, as he had publicly apologised for the remarks. Accordingly, June 15 was fixed for the hearing. However, Bittu was engaged in meetings in Delhi and sought more time. The next hearing was scheduled for June 25."
Apology Accepted; Bittu Ordered to Perform Seva at Four Holy Sites
After accepting the apology, the commission directed Bittu to pay obeisance and perform seva at four holy sites in Punjab: Dera Baba Braham Dass in Phillaur, Dera Sach Khand Ballan, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal (Ram Tirath) in Amritsar, and Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. The BJP leader confirmed that he had tendered an apology before the commission and agreed to visit these holy sites and perform seva.
Background of the Incident
The matter stems from an incident on May 26 in Dhuri, where Bittu had a heated exchange with police officers while demanding the release of BJP leader Onkar Singh, who had been detained for allegedly campaigning during civic elections. The alleged casteist remarks during this exchange led to the commission's suo motu action.
