NEW DELHI: A political storm erupted outside Parliament on Wednesday after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labeled BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu as a "traitor" during a protest, prompting Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to launch a fierce counterattack. Puri condemned the remark as "unacceptable" and deeply offensive to the Sikh community, demanding an immediate apology from Gandhi.
Puri's Strong Rebuttal at Press Conference
Addressing a press conference, Hardeep Singh Puri expressed profound hurt on behalf of the Sikh community. "We are not just appearing here as members of BJP but proud and deeply hurt members of Sikh Community," Puri stated emphatically. He explained that when Rahul Gandhi raised a slogan against Bittu outside Parliament, the word "traitor" was used, which carries severe connotations when translated from Hindi.
"The word used was 'traitor.' While it is commonly translated as 'gaddar,' the full meaning is not conveyed. A traitor is someone who betrays the nation—someone who sells out the country or its secrets. This word should not be used lightly," Puri elaborated, highlighting the gravity of the term.
Defending Bittu's Legacy and Sacrifices
Puri passionately defended Ravneet Bittu's background and family history. "But who is Bittu ji? He is not just an MP elected from Ludhiana. He is not just from a Sikh family that has served the nation. His family has made sacrifices, and he lost his grandfather to an assassin's bullet. Calling such a person a traitor is unacceptable," he asserted, underscoring the personal and historical context that makes the remark particularly egregious.
The Union Minister further criticized the motivation behind Gandhi's comment, suggesting it stemmed from political frustration. "LoP Rahul Gandhi is upset that Bittu ji left his party, but he also told him that you will come back. Just because a turban-wearing person leaves your party, you call him a traitor," Puri remarked, implying communal undertones in the exchange.
Broader Condemnation and Political Fallout
Puri emphasized the need for decency in political discourse, stating, "The word he used is unacceptable. To label anyone from any community as a traitor is unacceptable. Parliamentary discourse, both outside and inside the parliament, has to be grounded in decency and in decent language."
Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also joined the condemnation, turning the tables on Gandhi by retorting, "Gandhi family are 'traitors.'" This escalation highlights the deepening political rift following Bittu's recent defection from Congress to BJP.
The Confrontation at Makar Dwar
The incident unfolded at the Makar Dwar near Parliament, where Congress MPs were protesting. As Bittu passed by, Rahul Gandhi reportedly said, "Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face," and extended a handshake, adding sarcastically, "Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don't worry, you will come back (to Congress)."
Bittu refused the handshake and retaliated by calling Gandhi a "Desh ke dushman (enemy of the state)," intensifying the verbal clash. Puri further criticized Congress by recalling Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, linking historical grievances to the current controversy.
The exchange reportedly began after Bittu commented on the protesting MPs, saying, "They are sitting as if they won a war," which may have triggered Gandhi's reaction. This incident underscores the volatile nature of political interactions in the Parliament premises and raises questions about the tone of public discourse among India's top leaders.
