Union Minister Bittu Opposes BJP-SAD Alliance, Warns of Gangsterism and Drug Menace in Punjab
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has strongly advocated against the Bharatiya Janata Party forming an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab. He made these remarks on Friday while speaking to reporters during a Punjab BJP protest focused on law and order issues.
Bittu, who serves as the Minister of State for Railways, claimed that any such political partnership would lead to the return of gangsterism and the continuation of chitta sale in the border state. His comments have ignited a fierce political debate across Punjab.
Bittu's Direct Warning on Alliance Consequences
When questioned about potential BJP plans to forge an alliance with SAD ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Bittu responded with sharp criticism. "If we want to wipe out gangsterism and drugs from Punjab, we cannot think of projecting the SAD as our face," he stated clearly.
The minister elaborated further, "If we want to let chitta sale to continue or bring back gangsterism, then talks can be held for an alliance with the SAD." He also quipped about the fragmented nature of Akali factions, asking "There are so many Akali Dals. With whom should we talk?"
AAP Seizes on Remarks as Political Confession
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab quickly latched onto Bittu's statements. AAP general secretary Baltej Pannu declared that the minister's words "clearly establishes who destroyed Punjab between 2007 and 2017."
Pannu emphasized, "By referring to gangsterism and the sale of 'chitta', Bittu himself has indicated under whose rule these problems flourished. People in Punjab heard about gangsterism and chitta for the first time during the SAD-BJP rule from 2007 to 2017."
The AAP leader framed Bittu's comments as a significant political confession. He questioned why BJP leaders would advocate for an alliance with Akalis if they believe them responsible for Punjab's drug and gangster problems.
Akali Dal Dismisses Remarks as Headline-Grabbing
Shiromani Akali Dal spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler dismissed both Bittu's remarks and AAP's response. "Bittu is known for making provocative statements," Kler stated. "The statement given by Bittu is just to make headlines for a day."
Kler pointed to Bittu's political history, noting that "When he was in the Congress, he used to speak against BJP leaders. Now, when he is a minister in the BJP government, he is giving baseless statements about rivals."
The SAD spokesperson also criticized AAP's governance record. "The High Court has already taken the AAP government to task on the issue of drugs," he alleged, claiming that police were targeting religious institutions instead of tackling the drug mafia.
Contradictory Signals Within BJP Ranks
Bittu's comments gain significance in light of contradictory statements from other senior BJP leaders. Punjab BJP unit chief Sunil Jakhar had previously described an SAD-BJP alliance as an "emotion on the ground" ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh also stated in November 2025 that an alliance with SAD was necessary before the 2027 Assembly polls. These differing positions reveal internal debates within the party about its Punjab strategy.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Akali Dal parted ways with BJP and the NDA in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws. Since then, speculation has persisted about a potential reunion before the 2027 elections.
Bittu himself had declared in October 2025 that BJP would contest all 117 seats in Punjab, seemingly ruling out any alliance. His latest remarks reinforce that position while framing it as a matter of principle against gangsterism and drugs.
The political exchange highlights how Punjab's drug problem and law and order issues remain central to electoral politics. All major parties are positioning themselves as the solution while accusing opponents of either creating or perpetuating these challenges.
As the 2027 elections approach, these debates will likely intensify. The BJP faces the strategic question of whether to go alone or rebuild its traditional alliance, while AAP seeks to capitalize on any divisions within opposition ranks.
