Union Minister Bittu Alleges Violent Confrontation with Rahul Gandhi at Parliament
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has publicly responded to his heated exchange with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier this week, making serious allegations about the opposition leader's conduct. The confrontation occurred outside Parliament's Makar Dwar, the primary entrance used by Members of Parliament to access the new Parliament building.
Bittu's Detailed Account of the Incident
According to Bittu's account to PTI, the incident unfolded as he was walking toward Parliament when Rahul Gandhi approached him "after losing his temper." Bittu claimed Gandhi came toward him thinking he was a 'shahanshah' (emperor) and offered a handshake in what appeared to be a confrontational manner.
"His one arm was held by Congress leader K C Venugopal and the other by Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Randhawa," Bittu stated, suggesting Gandhi required physical restraint from fellow party members. "He became so violent, do not know what he had, only God knows," the minister further claimed about the opposition leader's alleged behavior.
The Context of the Confrontation
The face-off occurred while Rahul Gandhi was standing with suspended Congress MPs, predominantly from Punjab, who were protesting on the Parliament steps. It was in this charged atmosphere that Gandhi reportedly directed comments toward Bittu, saying "Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face."
Gandhi then allegedly offered a handshake while saying, "Hello brother, my traitor friend. Don't worry, you will come back (to Congress)." This remark referenced Bittu's recent political transition, having joined the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after completing his third term as a Congress MP.
Political Background and Implications
Ravneet Singh Bittu, now a Rajya Sabha MP and minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third-term government, emphasized that he did not quit the Congress mid-term but rather completed his parliamentary term before making the switch to the BJP. This political history adds significant context to the charged exchange between the former party colleagues.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, particularly concerning MPs who have switched political allegiances. Such confrontations at Parliament, the nation's highest legislative body, underscore the increasingly polarized political climate in India.
While Bittu has provided his version of events through media statements, the Congress party has yet to issue a detailed response to these specific allegations about Rahul Gandhi's conduct during the Parliament encounter. The incident continues to generate political discussion about decorum and conduct among India's elected representatives.
