Congress MP Aujla Defends Rahul Gandhi's 'Traitor Friend' Remark, Accuses BJP of Insulting Sikh Community
In a sharp political counterattack, Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla from Amritsar responded to BJP criticism on Thursday regarding Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi's use of the term "traitor friend" for Union minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu. Aujla asserted that the label was justified and redirected the focus to what he called the BJP's own acts of betrayal against the Sikh community.
Justification for the 'Traitor Friend' Label
Aujla argued that Rahul Gandhi's emotional reference to Bittu as a "traitor friend" was a natural reaction following Bittu's high-profile defection from the Congress party. He emphasized that the BJP was distorting this remark for political gain, while ignoring the context of the relationship. "Anger is natural when someone leaves a relationship that was like a family," Aujla stated, highlighting the deep personal and political bonds involved.
He pointed out that Bittu himself had repeatedly acknowledged that his turban and political identity were shaped by Rahul Gandhi. The Congress, Aujla added, had always shown respect to Bittu's family, noting:
- His grandfather served as a chief minister.
- His uncle held a ministerial position.
- His aunt was given full respect.
- Bittu was granted a Lok Sabha ticket three times by the party.
Accusations Against BJP Leadership
Shifting the narrative, Aujla accused the BJP of hypocrisy, claiming that the real betrayal was committed by the BJP leadership against former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He alleged that Singh's last rites were not conducted with due honour, which he described as an insult to the entire Sikh community and Punjab. This, he argued, overshadowed any political rhetoric about Bittu.
Criticism of Prime Minister Modi's Visits to Punjab
Aujla further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's engagements in Punjab, stating that despite two visits, the state received nothing substantial. He invoked Punjabi traditions, saying, "It is a Punjabi tradition that a guest never comes empty-handed, yet Modi failed to announce even a single major project for Punjab." Specifically, he mentioned that during Modi's visit to Dera Ballan, an opportunity to announce a university or college for underprivileged children was missed, leaving Punjab disappointed once again.
In conclusion, Aujla's remarks framed the controversy as part of a broader political struggle, where the Congress is defending its legacy and accusing the BJP of disrespect and neglect toward Punjab and its Sikh population.
