The corridors of Parliament witnessed an unprecedented verbal showdown today as the Rahul Gandhi Ravneet Bittu spat took center stage during an Opposition protest. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi labeled Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu a “traitor friend,” referring to his recent switch from Congress to the BJP. The confrontation quickly escalated when Bittu retaliated by calling Gandhi the “enemy of the nation,” sparking a massive political controversy that overshadowed the day’s legislative agenda.
A Tense Face-off at Makar Dwar
The drama unfolded near the Makar Dwar where Congress MPs were protesting the suspension of eight of their colleagues. As Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, walked past the demonstration, Rahul Gandhi pointed at him and remarked, “Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face.”
Despite the sharp remark, Gandhi briefly attempted a sarcastic reconciliation. He offered a handshake, saying, “Hello, brother. My traitor friend. Don’t worry, you will come back.” However, the gesture was far from friendly, serving more as a pointed critique of Bittu’s political defection just before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Bittu’s Sharp Retaliation
Ravneet Bittu, a three-time MP who was once a close aide of the Gandhi family, did not mince words in his response. Refusing to shake hands, he looked at Gandhi and retorted, “Desh ke dushman” (Enemy of the nation). The exchange was brief but highlighted the deep-seated animosity following Bittu’s crossover to the saffron party.
Later, speaking to the media, Bittu justified his refusal to engage with Gandhi. He brought up historical grievances, specifically mentioning Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. “A Sardar will never shake hands with the scion of the Gandhi family,” Bittu stated, adding that Gandhi’s comments against Indian forces make him an adversary of the state.
Allegations and Privilege Motions
The Rahul Gandhi Ravneet Bittu spat took a darker turn when the Minister alleged that Gandhi’s behavior was erratic. Speaking to NDTV, Bittu questioned Gandhi’s state of mind, even suggesting he might have been under the influence of substances—a claim that has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress camp.
Bittu further indicated that he is consulting with BJP leadership to bring a privilege motion against the Leader of the Opposition. He argued that targeting a Union Minister with such derogatory language during House proceedings (or within the premises) warrants parliamentary discipline.
Sikh Community Reactions and Political Fallout
The controversy has spilled out of Parliament and onto the streets. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a prominent Sikh leader, condemned Gandhi’s “traitor” remark, stating that calling a Sikh minister a traitor reflects a biased mindset. Meanwhile, protests were reported outside the Congress headquarters, with members of the Sikh community demanding an apology.
On the other hand, Congress leaders like Amarinder Singh Raja Warring defended Gandhi. They argued that “betrayer” is the only apt description for someone who leaves their party for power. Warring emphasized that the frustration stems from the stifling of the Opposition’s voice in the Lok Sabha.
The Backdrop of MP Suspensions
This heated exchange occurred in the shadow of the suspension of eight Opposition MPs. These members, including Hibi Eden and Raja Warring, were suspended for the remainder of the Budget Session for “violating House rules” and allegedly throwing papers at the Chair. The Congress maintains that their protest—and Gandhi’s outburst—is a reaction to what they call the “murder of democracy” within the Parliament.
To learn more, follow Shabdsanchi’s social media pages today and stay updated.
- Facebook: shabdsanchi
- Instagram: shabdsanchiofficial
- YouTube: @shabd_sanchi
- Twitter: shabdsanchi
