Tensions Escalate Between Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu Over ‘Traitor’ Remark; Sirsa Joins BJP Minister’s Defence

A fiery exchange unfolded in and outside the Lok Sabha on Wednesday as Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu clashed over remarks made during a protest by eight suspended MPs. Gandhi referred to Bittu as a “traitor,” prompting Bittu to retort that Congress leaders are “enemies of the nation.”

The confrontation occurred near the Parliament’s Makar Dwar gate, where suspended opposition MPs were demonstrating against their suspension for the remaining duration of the current budget session. The incident has also sparked reactions within the Sikh community, with Delhi Government Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa coming out in support of Bittu and strongly criticizing Rahul Gandhi and Congress.

Sirsa Denounces Rahul Gandhi’s Comment
Sirsa condemned Gandhi’s words, saying, “I denounce the use of such language against a Sikh minister in the House. Rahul Gandhi may be a leader, but a Sikh cannot be a traitor. His remarks reflect that the Congress mindset has not changed. It is the Gandhi family that attacked Darbar Sahib with artillery.”

Bittu’s Response: Gandhi Targeting Sikhs
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu stated, “Rahul Gandhi has always targeted Sikhs, and today was no different. While other MPs said nothing, Gandhi made personal remarks and tried to provoke me. I told him, ‘You are the greatest traitor and a killer of Sikhs.’”

Bittu further explained that Gandhi attempted to shake hands with him, but he refused, emphasizing his Sikh identity and heritage from Punjab. He accused Gandhi’s family of historically targeting Sikhs and their religious symbols, citing past incidents during the Rajiv Gandhi era and the Punjab insurgency.

The Incident in Parliament
The confrontation began when Bittu was entering the Parliament premises and remarked about the suspended MPs’ protest. Rahul Gandhi responded by calling him a “traitor,” to which Bittu replied, “These are enemies of the nation.” Gandhi then attempted to shake Bittu’s hand, but the BJP minister declined and proceeded inside Parliament.

The verbal spat has highlighted continuing political tensions in the Lok Sabha, drawing attention to issues of decorum, historical grievances, and identity politics within parliamentary debates.