Congress Veteran Launches Scathing Attack on Union Minister in Ludhiana
In a significant political development from Ludhiana, senior Congress member and former Punjab minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu delivered a forceful verbal counter-attack on Wednesday targeting Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. Ashu characterized Bittu's recent statements against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as "deeply irresponsible" and "unfortunate", marking a notable escalation in political tensions within Punjab.
Political Friction Over Controversial Remarks
The confrontation stems directly from Bittu's controversial description of the Lok Sabha's leader of the opposition as "Desh ke Dushman" (enemy of the country), a comment that has generated substantial controversy across Punjab's political landscape. Ashu, addressing Bittu's three-term parliamentary career, emphasized that the Congress party had been instrumental in building Bittu's political foundation through consistent support from the Gandhi family.
"Just because you have become a poster boy of the BJP today does not mean you forget those who helped you rise in public life," Ashu declared pointedly. He accused the Union Minister of exploiting his former political mentors for "political convenience", highlighting what he described as a troubling pattern of opportunism.
The Legacy Contradiction Highlighted
Ashu drew particular attention to what he framed as a stark contradiction between Bittu's current political positioning and the enduring legacy of his grandfather, the late Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. "It is ironic that a person who claims to inherit Beant Singh's legacy has abandoned the very principles his family stood for," Ashu remarked during his address.
The former minister noted that Beant Singh had sacrificed his life combating divisive forces, which the Congress party associates with the current BJP administration. Ashu argued that by switching political allegiances for power and questioning others' patriotism, Bittu has revealed a fundamental "lack of conviction" in his political journey.
Historical Sacrifice Versus Contemporary Rhetoric
Ashu further contextualized the debate by underscoring the historical significance of the Gandhi family's contributions to India's development and unity. He framed Bittu's comments as reflective of political frustration rather than factual accuracy, reminding the Union Minister that both the Gandhi family and Beant Singh had fought passionately for India's unity and integrity.
In a call for political introspection, Ashu added: "Before pointing fingers at Rahul Gandhi, Bittu should remember that both Beant Singh and the Gandhi family laid down their lives for this country." The Congress leader concluded by asserting that such personal attacks ultimately diminish the dignity of public discourse and political life in India.
This exchange highlights the deepening political divisions in Punjab as parties position themselves ahead of upcoming electoral challenges, with historical legacies and contemporary loyalties becoming central points of contention.
