Senior leadership of the Punjab Congress has strongly defended party leader Rahul Gandhi's characterization of Ravneet Singh Bittu as a 'traitor', following criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party that the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition had questioned the sacrifices of the Sikh community.
Congress Leaders Rally Behind Rahul Gandhi
Jalandhar MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi stated unequivocally, "Today at the gate, there was a conversation between Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu where Rahul Gandhi called him a 'gaddar dost' (traitor friend). Rahul Gandhi had given him everything... he quit the party when he was needed most during the election. It is well known that he betrayed the party, so I fully support what Rahul Gandhi said."
Bajwa's Strong Statement on Social Media
Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, posted on social media platform X, "Rahul Gandhi called a spade a spade when he pointed out that Ravneet Bittu betrayed the ideology of his parent party, the legacy of his grandfather, and the larger cause of a secular, united India. He owes his entire political existence to the Congress; biting the hand that fed him cannot be repackaged as patriotism."
Bajwa further criticized the BJP's response to the defection, stating, "The BJP's attempt to wrap this defection in the tricolour is nothing but a fig leaf for political opportunism. As Samuel Johnson rightly observed, 'Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel'. No amount of chest-thumping can turn betrayal into bravery."
Clarification on Sikh Community Reference
Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira clarified that the term 'traitor' was directed specifically at Bittu as an individual who abandoned the party during challenging times, and should not be interpreted as an insult to the Sikh community, as suggested by BJP leaders including Hardeep Puri.
Khaira elaborated, "It is common knowledge that Congress always rewarded Ravneet Bittu, making him MP three times from Punjab. Ravneet Bittu has been rejected by Punjab and does not represent the state or the Sikh community in any meaningful way."
Former Colleague Expresses Disappointment
Former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu expressed sadness over Bittu's characterization of Congress leaders as 'desh ke Dushman' (enemies of the nation). Ashu posted on social media, "I would advise him to introspect and reflect on how he reached this position. Bittu owes his political journey to the Gandhi family, who supported him in becoming an MP thrice. Becoming a poster boy of the BJP does not justify forgetting one's roots, abusing those who stood by you, or betraying the party and leadership that shaped your career."
The unified response from Punjab Congress leadership underscores their firm support for Rahul Gandhi's remarks while framing the controversy as a matter of political loyalty rather than community sentiment.
